Dear Sisters, Brothers, and Friends,

Monday, September 30^th marks Orange Shirt Day, also known as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day to recognize and reflect on the tragic history and ongoing legacy of residential schools, honour survivors and remember the children who never returned home. It is a chance for engagement and education about our colonial history and how it continues to impact Indigenous Peoples and communities.

While Orange Shirt Day was previously a statutory holiday for federal workers, Premier Wab Kinew and our NDP government have made this day a provincial statutory holiday so that all Manitobans have the opportunity to reflect on the legacy of residentials schools and the profound impacts of that trauma that still exists today. It is a day to reflect, but also to spend quality time with family, something that was stolen from the children who were forced to go to residential schools.

There are many sources of information on these topics, including at these links:

https://www.reconciliationeducation.ca/what-are-truth-and-reconciliation-commission-94-calls-to-action

https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1450124405592/1529106060525#chp1

There are also many events taking place in association with this important day, including the Healing Walk in Winnipeg. You can find more information on the walk and other events here:

https://wa-say.com/event/orange-shirt-day-2024/

https://scoinc.mb.ca/orange-shirt-day-events-2024/

The MFL commends the Manitoba Government for making Orange Shirt Day a statutory holiday, as we continue to work in the spirit of reconciliation for a more just and equitable society.

In Solidarity,

Kevin Rebeck
President of the Manitoba Federation of Labour
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