NHL Edmonton Oilers Specialized National Day For Truth And Reconciliation T-Shirts

The NHL Edmonton Oilers have recently launched a new line of specialized T-shirts to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The shirts, which feature the Oilers logo alongside the symbolic orange heart and the words “Every Child Matters,” are a tribute to the Indigenous children who were taken from their families and forced to attend residential schools across Canada.

The Oilers are just one of the many organizations across Canada that are acknowledging this important day of remembrance, which was established to honor the survivors and families affected by the residential school system. This article will explore the history of residential schools, the impact they had on Indigenous communities, and the significance of the Oilers’ commemorative T-shirts.

NHL Edmonton Oilers Specialized National Day For Truth And Reconciliation T-Shirts

History of Residential Schools in Canada

The residential school system was established in the late 19th century and was designed to assimilate Indigenous children into Euro-Canadian culture. The schools were operated by the Canadian government and various Christian denominations, and were located across the country, from coast to coast. The goal was to “kill the Indian in the child,” and the methods used to achieve this were brutal.

Children were taken from their families and communities, often by force, and were sent to schools far away from home. They were not allowed to speak their native languages or practice their cultural traditions, and were subjected to physical and sexual abuse, neglect, and malnutrition. Many children died while attending these schools, and those who survived suffered lifelong trauma.

The residential school system was not fully dismantled until the 1990s, and the effects are still being felt by Indigenous communities across Canada today.

Impact of Residential Schools on Indigenous Communities

The impact of residential schools on Indigenous communities has been devastating. Children were stripped of their identities and their connections to their families and cultures were severed. Many survivors of residential schools suffer from intergenerational trauma, which is passed down through families and has a ripple effect on entire communities.

Indigenous peoples in Canada have faced systemic discrimination and marginalization for centuries, and the residential school system was just one example of this. The legacy of residential schools continues to shape the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada, and it is important to acknowledge the harm that has been done.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was established in 2021 as a federal statutory holiday in Canada. The day is observed on September 30th each year and is a day of remembrance and recognition for the survivors of residential schools and their families.

The day is an opportunity to learn about the history of residential schools and the ongoing effects of colonization and systemic racism. It is also a time to honor and remember the Indigenous children who were taken from their families and communities, and to acknowledge the harm that was done.

Conclusion

The NHL Edmonton Oilers’ commemorative T-shirts are a powerful way to acknowledge the harm that was done to Indigenous peoples in Canada and to show support for the survivors and their families. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an important day of remembrance, and it is heartening to see organizations like the Oilers taking steps to acknowledge it.

The legacy of residential schools in Canada is a painful one, and it is important to remember the children who were taken from their families and the impact that this system had on Indigenous communities. The commemorative T-shirts are a small but meaningful way to honor their memory and to show support for reconciliation efforts.

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