As we mark Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, our thoughts are with Indigenous communities. We remember the 150,000 children taken from their homes and sent to residential schools and those who never returned. We are wearing beaded orange shirt pins to honour the Survivors. We are reflecting and learning more about the history of Canada’s residential school system and the lasting effects on Survivors and their families, communities, culture, and traditions.

These pins were made by Kristy Puskar, a sixth generation Métis crafter, and owner of Silver and Ivy Beads. Kristy donates a portion of all pin sales to local and national Indigenous and Métis led organizations. In further support, we have made a donation to one of these organizations, Calgary’s Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth (USAY) to support their many successful programs, which empower urban Indigenous youth to envision and attain a healthy and sustainable future.