WFN News

Since 2013, September 30 has been commemorated as Orange Shirt Day across Canada in honour of the Survivors of Indian Residential Schools. Starting this year, September 30 will also now be designated as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The date was declared a statutory federal holiday with the passage of Bill C-5 in June of this year, in response to one of the 94 Calls to Action of Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. This day is an important step in the reconciliation process. It provides an opportunity to recognize and commemorate the tragic history and ongoing legacy of residential schools, and to honour their survivors, their families and communities. 

If you are looking for ways to show your support, below are a few ideas.

Community Events:

WFN Community Members are hosting a Drum Circle on September 30, 2021 at 2:15pm at the Elders Hall - 3255 Shannon Lake Road. The event is open to everyone. Please bring a mask and be willing to follow social distancing protocols. A maximum of 50 people.

The Aboriginal Peoples Television Network will also be airing a variety of programs throughout the day, and the Kelowna Museums will be hosting a variety of events throughout the week.

Support Indigenous Businesses:

Visit one of the many businesses on WFN lands.

Purchase an orange shirt to wear on September 30th to show support and solidarity. Orange shirts can be purchased at Spirit of the Lake Native Boutique - 1960 Nancee Way, West Kelowna.

Download, print and display an Every Child Matters heart in your window.

Purchase local Indigenous books.

Commission Indigenous art or take a local public art tour.

Tour sncewips Heritage Museum - Pre-booked tours are $15/person. Unguided are by donation.

Give an Acknowledgement:

Recognize the Indigenous lands you are on by placing a plaque at your place of business, using nsyilxcen language in your notices/signage and boardroom names, or adding acknowledgment to the start of your meetings and your email auto signatures, eg. "We respectfully acknowledge that we live and work on the unceded and traditional territories of the syilx/Okanagan people."

The Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line is available 24-hours a day for anyone experiencing pain or distress as a result of their Residential school experience. Non-emergency calls to The Indian Residential Schools Survivors Society can be directed to 1-800-721-0066.