Honouring Survivors on Orange Shirt Day

This September 30, on National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, proudly wear orange and help us honour survivors of residential schools and those who never returned to their loved ones.

The Story Behind Orange Shirt Day

In 1973, Phyllis Webstad, a six-year-old from the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation, had her new orange shirt taken from her on her first day at a residential school. The shirt is now a symbol of the cultural loss, forced assimilation, and trauma inflicted on First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children. For over 150 years, more than 150,000 First Nations, Inuit and Métis children were taken from their families to attend residential schools. They experienced abuse, and many never returned. The residential school system sought to erase Indigenous cultures, languages, and traditions. The trauma continues to impact generations.

Our Commitment

The Office of the Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime wants to hear and learn from First Nations, Inuit and Métis to identify barriers to accessing justice and ensure that the rights of survivors and victims of crimes are being upheld.

We are pleased to announce that Cristi Adams, a proud member of the Lake Babine Nation, has agreed to take on the role of Chair of our Indigenous Advisory Circle, to be renamed First Nations, Inuit and Métis Advisory Circle to reflect the distinct identities of its members. Our hope is that the contribution of these circle members will guide us in including Indigenous perspectives in our work towards decolonizing the criminal justice system.

Truth and Reconciliation

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission issued 94 Calls to Action in 2015. Nine years have passed, and 85% of the Calls to action have yet to be completed (14 are complete, 47 in progress, 19 stalled and 15 not started)¹. Indigenous people face higher rates of violence, and they are six times more likely to be a victim of homicide² in Canada and are often denied basic services, including healthcare and access to justice. As Canadians, we are ALL accountable for reconciliation.

Office of the Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime

Support Services

• You can contact our Office if you believe your rights under the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights have not been respected.
  • Email: victimsfirst@ombud.gc.ca
  • Our toll-free number: 1-866-481-8429
• Residential School Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419
• MMIWG Crisis Line: 1-844-413-6649
• Hope for Wellness Help Line: 1-855-242-3310 or hopeforwellness.ca

 ¹ Indigenous Watchdog, September 1, 2024, https://www.indigenouswatchdog.org/

 ² Statistics Canada, Number, percentage and rate of homicide victims, by gender and Indigenous identity, July 25, 2024. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/85-002-x/2022001/article/00012-eng.htm