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Earlier this year, the Government of Canada passed legislation to make September 30th a federal statutory holiday: The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. They did this in response to Call to Action 80 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action:
We call upon the federal government, in collaboration with Aboriginal peoples, to establish, as a statutory holiday, a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honour Survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.
While Norwood Centre’s leadership absolutely recognizes the need for and value of a day for commemorating and reflecting upon the harm caused by residential schools, we also believe this may be one of the days many of our families need us most. Our Centre will remain open, with all programs and services running, should this day bring up some unexpectedly intense emotions for any of our families. Our parent respite program, in particular, provides a safe, welcoming and fun place for children to be should parents need a temporary break to take care of themselves.
Anyone requiring support can call 780-471-3737 and be connected with our Intake Team. These compassionate and knowledgeable professionals will connect individuals with appropriate support resources, either within Norwood Centre or elsewhere in our community.
Orange Shirt Day
September 30 is also annual Orange Shirt Day, which is “an opportunity to create meaningful discussion about the effects of Residential Schools and the legacy they have left behind. A discussion all Canadians can tune into and create bridges with each other for reconciliation. A day for survivors to be reaffirmed that they matter, and so do those that have been affected. Every Child Matters, even if they are an adult, from now on." (Orange Shirt Day website).
Norwood Centre staff will be wearing orange shirts on September 30 to honour residential school survivors and will encourage all our program participants to do the same.
About Norwood Child and Family Resource Centre
Norwood Child and Family Resource Centre (Norwood) has been a community hub for children and families since 1963. Norwood responds to a wide variety of family circumstances and provides free, culturally diverse programming throughout Edmonton. We nurture trusting relationships, empower families to access resources and services, and support optimal child development. Norwood is a safe gathering place that brings individuals together with a focus on prevention and early intervention to support healthy, well-functioning families.
For more information on Norwood’s response to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, contact:
Kathy Burgett Program Director 780-471-3737 kathyb@norwoodcentre.com
For support, contact:
Norwood Reception 780-471-3737 Norwooda@norwoodcentre.com
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