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Tag: Orange Shirt Day

  • National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: What’s Open and Closed on September 30, 2024

    National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: What’s Open and Closed on September 30, 2024

    As Canada observes the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR) on September 30, 2024, communities across the nation come together to honor Indigenous children who never returned home from residential schools and to support those who survived. This federal statutory holiday is an essential day of remembrance and reflection.

    Government Services: What to Expect

    On NDTR, federal government buildings will close, including Service Canada locations and passport offices, with Parliament Hill also off-limits to visitors. Provincial observance varies; British Columbia and Nova Scotia recognize the holiday, while provinces like Ontario and Saskatchewan do not. It’s advisable to check your local government website or call ahead for specific service center hours.

    School Closures: A Mixed Bag

    School closures on this day differ by region. For instance, schools in Edmonton will not hold classes on September 30 and October 1, while Ontario’s provincial calendar does not list NDTR as a holiday. Parents and students should confirm with their local school boards for accurate information.

    Banking Services: Closure Alerts

    Major banks observing NDTR closures include:

    • Royal Bank of Canada
    • BMO
    • TD Bank
    • CIBC
    • Scotiabank
    • National Bank

    While bank branches will be closed, online and telephone banking, along with ATMs, may still be available.

    Postal Services: Impact of NDTR

    Canada Post will suspend all mail collection and delivery services in observance of NDTR. Purolator will also halt operations. However, FedEx plans to maintain ground shipping in certain regions, including southern Alberta and Montreal, while express and freight services will be paused.

    Private Businesses: Open or Closed?

    The decision for private businesses—such as grocery stores, restaurants, and professional services—will vary by owner. Many may choose to remain open, while others might follow their provincial holiday guidelines.

    Understanding the Significance of NDTR

    The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation serves as an annual observance to honor those affected by Canada’s residential school system. For over a century, this system forcibly removed Indigenous children from their families, placing them in schools that aimed to eradicate their culture and identity. Survivors have shared harrowing accounts of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, as detailed in reports from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

    In 2021, the federal government declared September 30 a statutory holiday to align with Orange Shirt Day, an initiative that commemorates the residential school experience and promotes healing and reconciliation.

    To learn more about the history and impact of Canada’s residential schools, click here.

    Source: Swifteradio.com

  • Unpacking the Ownership of ‘Every Child Matters’: Who Holds the Rights?

    Unpacking the Ownership of ‘Every Child Matters’: Who Holds the Rights?

    September 30 holds significant importance in Canada as it marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day—a time for reflection on the profound impact of the residential school system on Indigenous communities.

    To commemorate this day, many Canadians wear orange shirts, often featuring the powerful phrase “Every Child Matters.” This phrase has become a symbol of remembrance for the children who endured and lost their lives within the residential school system, which operated from 1831 until 1996. Indigenous children faced the erasure of their identities, culture, and families during their time in these institutions.

    Support Indigenous Communities Through Your Purchases

    Orange shirts are available in various outlets, from major retail chains to local shops like INAC, located in Winnipeg’s CF Polo Park Mall. This Indigenous-run business donates a portion of its sales to support Indigenous communities. “We donate to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation,” says Michelle Cameron, owner of INAC and the daughter of a residential school survivor.

    However, the use of the phrase “Every Child Matters” has sparked controversy. The Orange Shirt Society (OSS) has sought to trademark the phrase, emphasizing that only they and authorized licensees may use it in connection with merchandise. Their notice states that any alternate designs featuring the phrase must receive prior written consent from the OSS, as unauthorized use could lead to legal repercussions.

    Defending Cultural Significance

    Cameron expresses her disagreement with the OSS’s claims. “I think ‘Every Child Matters’ now belongs to everybody,” she argues, highlighting the universal significance of the phrase beyond any single organization.

    Phyllis Webstad, the founder and CEO of OSS, emphasizes that the trademark aims to encourage consumers to purchase orange shirts from retailers associated with the OSS rather than for-profit entities. “Our experience is not a fashion statement,” she states, underscoring the need to respect the spirit of the day.

    Despite the OSS’s efforts, Cameron believes it’s too late for a single entity to claim ownership of the phrase. According to the Canadian Intellectual Property Office, the OSS’s trademark application for “Every Child Matters,” submitted on May 11, 2020, is still under review. Evaluators have indicated that the phrase is “not inherently distinctive,” suggesting it should remain available for general use.

    Moving Forward Together

    Webstad recounts how her personal experience—having her orange shirt, a gift from her grandmother, taken away at a residential school—motivated the establishment of Orange Shirt Day. The phrase “Every Child Matters” was chosen in 2013 to honor the children who lived through these harrowing experiences.

    While the OSS has established licensing agreements with major retailers like Walmart and London Drugs to sell orange shirts, Cameron remains committed to her independent business model and does not plan to seek a license from the OSS. “I don’t think that’s the right thing to do,” she asserts, advocating for broader access to the phrase and its associated message.

    As Canada observes Truth and Reconciliation Day, the conversations surrounding the phrase “Every Child Matters” highlight the ongoing challenges and complexities of recognizing and honoring Indigenous voices and experiences.

    Conclusion

    This National Day for Truth and Reconciliation serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and acknowledging the past. As Canadians wear their orange shirts, let us all reflect on the journey toward healing and solidarity with Indigenous communities across the nation.

    Source: Swifteradio.com