Truth and Reconciliation Day – 2022

September 30th is an important day in Canada.

It marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day. Since its inception in 2013, it has become a key to encouraging people throughout Canada to think about their role in reconciliation.

The day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process. Go Power! also recognizes this day as a time to reflect on the impacts of colonialism and to take actions to help move the process forward. We would love to invite readers to participate in these actions as well to, in the words of celebrated Canadian artist Gord Downie, “Do Something” by creating a reconciliACTION and furthering the conversation about the history of residential schools.

Below you will find more information on the Sacred Path, a week-long national movement in October that commemorates the legacies of Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack. October 17-22 is a meaningful week as October 17th and 22nd respectively mark the dates that Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack joined the spirit world. We strongly encourage you to read the story of Chanie Wenjack to understand the tragic and horrendous events that happened to Chanie and hundreds of other children forced into residential schools.

Because Indigenous people throughout Canada continue to face harm, and continue to work to heal from the ongoing legacies of colonialism, the act of reconciliation must go beyond simply wearing an orange shirt or other symbolic gestures. Taking action is a great way to participate. Whether it’s keeping up on news affecting Indigenous people and communities or participating in events like A DAY TO LISTEN 2022 or Secret Path Week, there are plenty of ways to engage with the real work and action required to move reconciliation forward. Check out the great events linked below through the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund . We hope this encourages everyone to take action now and all year long.

Take the pledge!
https://www.215pledge.ca/

Secret Path Week
Secret Path Week is a national movement commemorating the legacies of Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack. October 17th and 22nd respectively mark the dates that Gord and Chanie joined the spirit world.

Answer Gord Downie’s call to action to “Do Something” by:

 

Go Power! Head Office will be closed on September 30th, 2022 in honour of Truth & Reconciliation Day.