On September 30, the Father Henry Carr community came together to honour Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day is a solemn reminder of the legacy of residential schools in Canada and the ongoing need for healing, justice, and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.
As a Catholic school community, Father Henry Carr recognizes that reconciliation is not just about acknowledging the past but also about living out our faith in action, guided by values of truth, compassion, and respect for human dignity. By wearing orange shirts and taking time to reflect, students and staff affirmed the message that “Every Child Matters,” remembering the children who never came home and standing in solidarity with survivors and their families.
Our school has pledged to take reconciliation seriously throughout the year, not just on this day. Father Henry Carr’s calls to action guide us in this commitment:
- To learn more about Indigenous Peoples and issues, both within and beyond our community
- To contribute to positive changes for Indigenous Peoples in Canada
- To address Indigenous-related myths and misconceptions
- To avoid perpetuating stereotypes in conversations or observations
- To encourage others to make reconciliation an ongoing effort
- To actively support National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21 and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30
These commitments remind us that reconciliation is a journey requiring education, dialogue, and action. Inspired by our Catholic faith, we are called to live out the values of justice, solidarity, and healing. As Pope Francis has said, reconciliation must be rooted in truth and carried out with humility and love.
At Father Henry Carr, recognizing Orange Shirt Day is not only about remembering history but also about building a more just and inclusive future. Together, we commit to walking the path of reconciliation in our classrooms, our community, and beyond.