Posted on: September 20, 2024 Between 1831 and 1998, 140 federally run residential schools operated in Canada, with the last one closing only 25 years ago. These institutions forcibly removed Indigenous children from their families, stripping them of their cultural identities and forcing them to assimilate into Western ways of life. Survivors have shared heartbreaking stories of physical, sexual, emotional, and psychological abuse. On September 30 we observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to reflect on the legacy of residential schools and honour the survivors, those who did not survive, their families, and their communities. How to get involved Wear orange on September 30 to show your allyship. View the 2024 official merchandise. Donate to Orange Shirt Society to help raise awareness for the impacts of residential schools Watch this web series, put together by the University of Alberta’s Institute of Prairie and Indigenous Archaeology Monitor the progress on each Call to Action Review these resources Attend an event September 29: Art Gallery of Alberta – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation | 11 am to 5 pm September 30: tahto awasis asitakimaw Every Child Matters Traditional Feast & Round Dance | 4:30 to 11 pm Fort Edmonton Park – Truth & Reconciliation Day | 10 am to 4 pm TELUS World of Science – Orange Shirt Day | 8 am to 1 pm Strathcona County – National Day for Truth & Reconciliation | 1 to 3 pm Town of Devon – Orange Shirt Day | 9 am to 2 pm Mental health supports available Indian Residential School Survivors Society: Former residential school students can call 1-866-925-4419 for emotional crisis referral services and information on other health supports from the Government of Canada. Hope for Wellness Help Line: Indigenous Peoples across Canada can contact the Hope for Wellness Help Line 24/7 for counselling and crisis intervention. Call the toll-free Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat. Beaumont FCSS: Beaumont residents can contact Family & Community Support Services at 780-929-1006 for emotional support and referral services. Canadian Mental Health Association: CMHA is available 24/7 if you need someone to talk to. Call or text 9-8-8 toll-free.