Orange Shirt Day/National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

On September 30, Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Bruce County Public Library invites everyone to wear an orange shirt and participate in a collective act of reconciliation. On Orange Shirt Day we honour and remember the experiences and loss of the thousands of children who were removed from their families and placed in residential schools. We recognize the ongoing healing of survivors and their families.

Read the original Orange Shirt Story by Phyllis Webstad.

As a repository of knowledge and natural gathering place, BCPL is committed to fostering knowledge and awareness of the ongoing impacts of the residential school system and oppression. It can be hard to know where to start the learning journey. Reading lists for adults and children on residential schools are provided below.

Residential Schools Reading List

Children’s Books on Residential Schools

Truth and Reconciliation

The journey to reconciliation is guided by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action . The reports from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission are available online.

Where to get support

A National Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support for survivors. This 24-Hour Crisis Line can be accessed at 1-866-925-4419. The Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS) can be contacted toll-free at 1-800-721-0066 or on their website.