At the gathering held at UBC on Wednesday, Orange Shirt Day served as a poignant reminder of the children who were forcibly taken from their families and placed in residential schools, as well as the loved ones who never returned.
The event was not only about reflecting on the past but also about looking ahead to the future and ensuring that the younger generation comprehends the importance of Reconciliation.
UBC student Catriona Mackenzie expressed her hope for all Canadians to embrace Reconciliation and integrate it into their daily lives, work, and education. She found encouragement in the significant turnout for Orange Shirt Day, particularly appreciating the effort of parents bringing their children to partake in this educational moment.
Mackenzie emphasized that Reconciliation is an ongoing journey that requires continuous effort, rather than just a once-a-year observance. She highlighted the evolving nature of gatherings like this, pointing out the shift in context from 2025 to 2026.
Alec Guerin, a council member of the Musqueam Nation, stressed the importance of community unity in understanding the truth, acknowledging the historical injustices faced by Indigenous peoples, and standing strong against contemporary threats to Indigenous communities.
Event organizer Dana-Lyn Mackenzie underscored the significance of decolonization for Canadians to comprehend and for future generations to be educated about the lasting impacts of residential schools. She highlighted the resistance against Truth and Reconciliation as stemming from fear, particularly among those accustomed to privilege and afraid of losing it.
The overarching message from participants like Catriona Mackenzie was a call for non-Indigenous individuals to actively engage, listen, and learn in the ongoing journey of Reconciliation, which involves amplifying Indigenous voices and fostering continued education about the realities of Canada’s history.
