The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation carries deep meaning for HIP. It is a time to honour the children who never returned home from residential schools, the survivors who continue to live with the pain of their experiences, and the families and communities whose lives have been forever changed.
For many, this day is heavy. Survivors of residential schools continue to carry memories that no child should ever have had to endure. The loss of language, culture, family, and dignity has left wounds that stretch across generations. On this day, we pause with humility and respect to acknowledge that pain and to listen.
At the heart of this day is the story of Phyllis Webstad. On her very first day at residential school, Phyllis proudly wore a brand-new orange shirt given to her by her grandmother. That shirt was taken from her, never returned. What may seem like a simple act left a deep scar, symbolizing the loss of identity and the stripping away of love and comfort that residential schools inflicted on thousands of children.
Phyllis has shown incredible courage in sharing her story, and turning personal trauma into a movement of awareness, healing, and education. From her bravery came Orange Shirt Day, reminding us each year that “Every Child Matters.” Today, through the Orange Shirt Society, her work continues, and HIP is proud to support their efforts.
We are committed to education and to creating opportunities for Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth to learn from one another, to share their stories, and to walk together in respect and friendship. When young people learn the truth about our history, they also learn compassion, empathy, and responsibility.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is not only about remembering, but also about choosing how we move forward. Wearing orange, honouring Phyllis, supporting survivors, and educating youth are steps we can all take. But the journey of reconciliation requires more than symbolic gestures. It asks each of us to listen, to learn, and to act with humility.
At HIP, we are committed to walking this path with open hearts, guided by the voices of survivors and the wisdom of Indigenous communities. Together, we can build a future where every child truly matters, and where the mistakes of the past are not repeated.
On this September 30, we remember, we honour, and we recommit ourselves to walking together toward reconciliation.