The United Church Moderator's Orange Shirt Day Message

Moderator Carmen Lansdowne urges us to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day, on September 30. This is a day to reflect, pray, learn, and honour survivors, their families, and the communities affected by Indian Residential Schools and those who operated them. For non-Indigenous Christians in particular, this is a time to reflect on their role in colonialism and the ongoing responsibility to make reparations.
 
One way that we can show Indigenous youth that they matter is by investing in the Waase-Aabin program, which awards scholarships to post-secondary Indigenous students, ages 18-29, who demonstrate economic need and academic excellence. 
 
On September 30, and every day, we must remember that every child matters.

Watch or download the Moderator's Orange Shirt Day message in English or français.

[Video still: The United Church of Canada/ Moderator Carmen Lansdowne]