Premier Horgan and Indigenous Relations minister issue joint statement on Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Premier John Horgan and Murray Rankin, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, have issued a joint statement to commemorate Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

"Tomorrow, we remember the children who didn’t come home. As we mark Orange Shirt Day and the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, our country – and each of us as individuals – continue to grapple with the horrific findings made in the last several months at former Indian Residential Schools in British Columbia and across Canada. By wearing orange shirts, we are acknowledging the truth of the residential school system, and honour survivors, families and communities.

"Orange Shirt Day would not exist without the strength and courage of the campaign’s founder, Phyllis Webstad. Her story of residential school survival, as well as those shared by Vancouver Island advocate Eddy Charlie and so many others, sparked a national conversation on the true history of this country.

"Although the truths of the residential school system were well-documented through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, in May, we were horrified and heartbroken to learn of the findings at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School. The work of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc requires all of us to confront the wrongs of the past, to fully comprehend our true history and to work together now to create a better future. We acknowledge the continued leadership, courage and commitment of all First Nations throughout British Columbia who are doing the difficult work of honouring these missing children.