🧡 *Every Child Matters* Orange is more than a color—it's a powerful symbol of remembrance, resilience, and recognition of the injustices Indigenous children faced at residential schools. On Orange Shirt Day, we remember the children who never made it home and those who continue to carry the weight of these traumatic experiences. 🧡 The odds of an Indigenous child dying in a residential school were 1 in 25. 🧡 The last residential school closed in 1996. 🧡 These schools aimed to erase cultures, languages, and identities, causing generational pain. The reason we wear orange on this day stems from the experience of Phyllis Webstad, whose new orange shirt, a gift from her grandmother, was taken away from her on her first day at residential school. Her story reminds us that Indigenous children were stripped not just of clothing, but of their dignity, rights, and lives. 🧡 **Remember this**: the children taken away in handcuffs, the children who suffered physical, emotional, and spiritual abuse, and the children who never returned home to their families. It’s not just a part of history; it’s a part of our present. These injustices didn’t happen in the distant past. They affect the fabric of Canadian society today. 🧡 What can we do? We can educate ourselves and others. We can support Indigenous-led initiatives aimed at healing. And we can honor those affected by wearing orange not just on one day, but by advocating for meaningful action and change every day. Let us not forget that Orange Shirt Day is a reminder to take action—not just in solidarity, but in support of a better future for all. How are you contributing to change and reconciliation? #OrangeShirtDay #EveryChildMatters #TruthAndReconciliation #IndigenousRights
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Orange Shirt Day is deeply personal for me, as it is for so many Indigenous people. It’s not just a day to wear orange—it’s a reminder of the painful legacy of residential schools, a reality that our families, our ancestors, and our communities continue to carry. Our children were taken from us, their languages, cultures, and identities stripped away, often never to be returned. Many never came home. The scars left behind run deep, not just in the survivors, but in the generations that followed. Phyllis Webstad’s story, where her new orange shirt—gifted with love from her grandmother—was taken from her on her first day of residential school, speaks to the heartbreak of so many families. This simple act represents the larger truth of what residential schools tried to do: erase who we are as Indigenous peoples. But despite everything, we are still here. Today, I wear orange to honor those who never made it home, to stand with the survivors whose resilience is an act of strength, and to remind myself and others that every child matters. This isn’t just about the past—it’s about the intergenerational trauma still felt in our communities. It’s about ensuring the truth of our history is acknowledged and that healing can continue. As an Indigenous person, this day is a call to action. For me, it means standing strong in my identity, sharing our truths, and holding space for the voices that were silenced for too long. But it also means asking others to stand with us—to listen, to learn, and to be part of the ongoing work of reconciliation. This work doesn’t begin and end on Orange Shirt Day. It’s every day, every conversation, every step toward justice and healing. Every child mattered then, every child matters now, and together, we must ensure that no child’s spirit is forgotten. #OrangeShirtDay #EveryChildMatters #TruthAndReconciliation
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Today, we recognize Orange Shirt Day, a day dedicated to remembering the thousands of Indigenous children who were taken from their families and forced into residential schools. Established in 2013, this day serves as a reminder of the trauma experienced by these children and their families, as well as the importance of reconciliation. The orange shirt symbolizes the loss of culture, identity, and childhood. It encourages us to reflect on the painful legacy of these institutions and to commit to fostering understanding and respect for Indigenous peoples. As a parent of young children, I cannot imagine the heartbreak of having them taken from our home without the ability to visit or hold them close. Imagine your child being taken, with the only form of communication a letter they can barely read, while being taught a different language that limits their ability to understand your words. On this day, let’s commit to putting ourselves in another's shoes and truly embracing empathy. Acknowledge the pain and the generational trauma that continues to affect families today. We have a responsibility to listen, to learn, and to stand as allies in the journey towards healing and reconciliation. Every child deserves to be loved and valued for who they are. Let’s work together to ensure that the past is never repeated, and that every child can grow up surrounded by their family and culture. #OrangeShirtDay #EveryChildMatters #Reconciliation #IndigenousRights #TruthAndReconciliation
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Today, we pause to honor the children who never returned home from residential schools, the survivors who carry their stories, and the generations who still bear the weight of this history. As a proud Indigenous Mayan mama, this day holds deep significance for me, not only as a moment of collective remembrance but also as part of my own reclamation journey—a journey I’ve only just begun to scratch the surface of. I am committed to having conversations with my children about what this day represents—the pain, the injustice, and the intergenerational trauma caused by the residential school system. These are not easy conversations, but they are vital in honoring the truth of our shared history and ensuring that future generations grow up with a deep respect for Indigenous cultures and stories. As non-Indigenous people and settlers, there’s a responsibility to reflect on the harm caused by colonialism and how it continues to impact Indigenous communities today. It’s time to challenge and decolonize the ways we think, live, and teach our children, remembering who we are, what we stand for, and what we’re meant to do in the world. This day is more than a reflection—it’s a call to action. As parents, raising children with empathy, awareness, and a commitment to justice is essential. Together, we can create a future where Indigenous voices, stories, and wisdom are valued and uplifted, not erased or forgotten. • Wear orange to honor residential school survivors and raise awareness. • Have important conversations with your children and community about Canada’s history and the ongoing effects of colonialism. • Support Indigenous-led organizations and initiatives. • Engage with Indigenous voices and stories through books, films, and events. The path to healing and reclamation is long, but by standing together—Indigenous and non-Indigenous—we can walk it with intention, empathy, and commitment. Let’s be the generation that builds a future rooted in truth and respect, for the sake of all our children. Beautiful cover art work by @ morning.star.designs #OrangeShirtDay #EveryChildMatters #TruthAndReconciliation #Decolonize #ReclaimingRoots #HonourTheChildren #Indigenouschildren #WeCanDoBetter
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It’s a day to remember the stories of survivors and honor the children who never returned home. Reconciliation is about more than acknowledgment—it’s about meaningful change. Whether it's educating ourselves, supporting Indigenous voices, or advocating for equity, each of us plays a part in this journey. Let’s commit to active reconciliation not just today, but every day. Together, we can work towards healing, understanding, and building a more just future for all. #TruthAndReconciliation #EveryChildMatters #IndigenousRights #BuildingBridges #ReconciliationInAction
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Imagine scaling a 30-foot flagpole to take down a symbol of hate. That's exactly what Bree Newsome Bass did in 2015, when she bravely removed the Confederate flag from the South Carolina State House. With each step, she defied centuries of oppression and sparked a national movement for racial justice. Things we can learn from her courage: 💡 Direct action CREATES change. 💡 NEVER give up on justice. 💡 Your VOICE matters. So, what can YOU do to resist oppression? Get our 100+ Community Organizing Resource Vault™ with guides, templates, and inspiration to help you secure the win: https://lnkd.in/eqp7FNP9 Did we mention it's free?
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Check this out to learn more about HPCAS!
Our Mission is to advocate for and protect children’s rights; to support and strengthen families; and to be leaders for positive change in our community. To learn more, please visit our site h-pcas.ca/about
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Honoring and celebrating #Juneteenth today! More than just a date, it's a powerful moment in our history that marked the end of slavery in the U.S. Let's continue to educate, remember, and strive for equality and justice for all. 🖤💚❤️ #FreedomDay #Emancipation #BlackHistory #meneseslawfirm #MAestateplanningattorney #MApersonalfamilylawyer #estateplan #willsandtrusts #healthcaredirectives #powerofattorney #assetprotection #kidsprotectionplan #familylegacy
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National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Today, across Canada, we come together to reflect on the history, legacy, and ongoing impact of residential schools. This day serves as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging the truths of the past, while committing to a journey of healing and reconciliation with Indigenous communities. **Every Child Matters** – not just today, but every day. As we wear our orange shirts, we honor the survivors, the children who never made it home, and their families. Let’s continue to educate ourselves, support Indigenous voices, and advocate for meaningful change. Together, we can create a more inclusive and compassionate future. 🧡 #TruthAndReconciliation #EveryChildMatters #IndigenousRights
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September 30th, The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, originally and still known as Orange Shirt Day, is a reminder to listen, learn, and continue supporting Indigenous communities in ways that truly matter. 🧡 Today is about remembering the children who never made it back home. Every indigenous person you know, is relative of a residential school survivor. We are not that far removed from the horrific events that took place in residential schools. Here’s how you can show support not just on September 30th, but throughout the year: 📖 Educate yourself on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. 🌱 Support Indigenous-owned businesses. 🗓️ Participate in local Truth and Reconciliation Day events. 🧡 Wear orange to show solidarity (preferably from an Indigenous business, so profits support Indigenous communities). #TruthAndReconciliation #OrangeShirtDay
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🧡 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 🧡 Today, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the painful history of residential schools and honor the Indigenous children who never made it home. It’s a reminder of how much we still have to learn and unlearn. This day isn’t just about remembering—it’s about listening, showing up, and committing to real change. Wearing orange today is one small way we can stand with Indigenous communities, but the work doesn’t stop there. Let’s all take time to ask ourselves how we can be better allies and support true healing and reconciliation, today and every day. 🧡 #TruthAndReconciliation #EveryChildMatters #OrangeShirtDay #ListeningAndLearning #StandingTogether
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