Six Nations to Recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a Statutory Holiday
On June 3, 2021, the federal government passed a bill to make September 30, also known as Orange Shirt Day, an annual national statutory holiday.
As a result, Six Nations will be recognizing September 30 as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. All Six Nations of the Grand River Elected Council (SNGREC) employees will be given the day off and are encouraged to wear orange the week of September 27 leading up to Orange Shirt Day.
Despite the Ontario government’s decision not to recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a provincial holiday, Six Nations will be treating September 30 as a day to honour Residential School Survivors and the children who never made it home.
Community members are also encouraged to engage in an “Act of Awareness” on September 30 and use the hashtag #SNOrangeShirtDay to show what Orange Shirt Day means to our community.
Details will be forthcoming next week on Orange Shirt Day community events.
We also recognize that this and related topics are difficult for many. Community members are reminded that if you are struggling and need support, there are resources available to you:
- Six Nations 24/7 Mobile Crisis Line: 519-445-2204 or 1-866-445-2204
- Six Nations Mental Health and Addictions: 519-445-2143 (Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm)
- National Indian Residential School Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419