Gen7 Fuel recognizes The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation or “Orange Shirt Day” this September

We wear orange to honour the Survivors of residential schools, and those who never returned home.

The acknowledgement of truth, is vital to walking the path to reconciliation.

What is The National Day of Truth and Reconciliation?

The National Truth and Reconciliation Day is a statutory holiday created by the Canadian federal government to honour Survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities.

The formation of this statutory holiday fulfills the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #80 to ensure the public observe the history and legacy of residential schools.

What are residential schools?

Residential schools were government-funded, church-run schools across Canada that Indigenous children were forced to attend for over 100 years. These schools were rampant with abuse and disease where children were separated from siblings, punished for speaking their languages, and much, much more.

These schools were always a systematic, government-sponsored attempt to eradicate Indigenous cultures, languages, and familial bonds. This process, which at the time was labelled as “cultural assimilation” is now known to be cultural genocide.

Seven generations of First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples were forced into schools across the country. Many did not survive.

Today, as we all walk the path to reconciliation, it is vital that we acknowledge and understand the full impact of residential schools, so we can begin to move past this chapter of our history.

The 94 Calls to Action

In 2015, the federal government released the 94 Calls to Action developed with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. These act as policy guidelines that are meant to address the historical injustices that haunt the Indigenous community in Canada. The 94 Calls to Action also presents systems and solutions to amend and protect the affected communities.

To date, the Canadian government has only fulfilled 13 of the 94 Calls to action.

At Gen7 Fuel, we are committed to being an active part of acknowledging the truth and working towards reconciliation. Seven generations of Indigenous people in Canada were affected by residential schools; Gen7 Fuel works to make a better future for the next seven generations.

You can show your support for Survivors and honour those we have lost to residential schools on September 30th by wearing an orange #EveryChildMatters t-shirt. Pick up your Gen7 Fuel orange shirt in-store today. T-shirts are $20 each and 100 percent of the proceeds are donated back into our Indigenous communities.

Trusted Resources

Please see the list of trusted resources to learn more about The National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, and the history and impacts of residential schools.

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

United Nations Declaration On The Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Reconciliation Canada

Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action