The Orange Campaign- Week 1
By Management Information Systems (MIS) Club
This past week all of us at Management Information Systems (MIS) club were given the opportunity to participate in the ‘Orange campaign’ a digital educational initiative that focuses on creating awareness and sharing knowledge about The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This campaign is a unique collaboration that bring in together student clubs, ASM’s communications team and the Decolonization and Indigenous Working Group (DIWG). Our theme for the week was ‘raising awareness’ and through social media platforms we talked about the significance of both National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as well as Orange Shirt Day here in Canada. We shared informative content highlighting the historical injustices that the First Nations and Indigenous Peoples of Canada faced and the ways we can become better allies.
The National Day of Truth and Reconciliation is observed on the 30th of September every year. A day where we honour and remember the children who never returned home, families and communities that were affected and the survivors of residential schools. This federal statutory holiday was established in 2021, before its official recognition was called Orange Shirt Day. Inspired by the story of Phyllis Webstad, a residential school survivor where she shares her story about having her new orange shirt taken away on her first day at the school. This incident symbolizes the loss of culture, dignity and identity that she faced and the trauma that different indigenous children experienced.
‘Every Child Matters’ logo is an expression of the belief that all children are important. Urging Canadians to acknowledge the past, learn from it, and work towards a more just future for indigenous communities.
As international students, its not only we understand the Canadian culture and the benefits but also the historical context and ongoing challenges the country face. We saw the struggles and difficulties these indigenous people of Canada went through and by being aware of important days like the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we can deepen our knowledge and understanding of Canada’s history and contribute to a more inclusive society.
A message from Kevin Fraser, Director of Management of Information Systems (MIS)
“As we journey towards Truth and Reconciliation, let us take a moment to reflect on the painful history of residential schools and the ongoing struggles of Indigenous communities in Canada. May we honor the children who never returned home, the families who were torn apart, and the survivors who carry the scars of trauma and loss. As members of the Acsenda Community, we have a unique opportunity to learn from Canada’s history and contribute to a more inclusive society. Let us wear orange on September 30th not just as a symbol of solidarity, but as a commitment to listening, learning, and growing together towards a brighter future for all.”
To learn more about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and the history of the Indigenous Peoples in Canada. We encourage you to explore these following websites:
- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation:
- Every Child Matters:
- Phyllis Webstad’s Story:
Engaging with these resources and participating in the activities of the school we can play a vital role in fostering a greater understanding and knowledge about the history of indigenous people and promoting reconciliation.
INTERNATIONAL THINKING. INDIVIDUAL FOCUS
