In Honour of the 215 Children Who Didn’t Make It Home

Audrey Leborgne • June 11, 2021

In Canada there are over 600 First Nation communities, each with their own history and sacred ceremonies. Unfortunately, all have been affected by some form of cultural assimilation. There are no words that can describe the pain and heartbreak that is flowing through our Nation right now.


There are no words that can bring justice to the families of those impacted by the recent discovery of the remains of 215 children at the Kamloops residential school. The trauma that still lives on today in Indigenous people worldwide is something so predominant that it’s hard to define its significance.

Illustration source: vecteezy.com

By still being here today, our Peoples have shown that we have the ability to withstand and progress through whatever has been thrown our way. The sole existence of residential schools is a tragedy that should have never taken place. Our elders have continued to work towards revitalization of our culture and language by passing down their stories and teachings. Our mothers have continued to raise their children with the pain of our history, but with strength for the future.


This discovery brings to surface the reminder of how far our Peoples have come, as well as how much more work we have to do with Canadians for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. Our Peoples as a whole have held their heads up in hopes for a better future through a history of broken treaties and empty apologies.


Our existence is not something that was expected or respected and with that we will continue to be resilient. We will honor the 215 children knowing that they can finally come to rest, and we will honor them knowing that our fight is not over. Their fight is not over either, now we must know their names.


Audrey Leborgne

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By Bimaadzwin Team September 4, 2025
A moment of remembrance, a call to healing: September 30, 2025 This National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day, invites all Canadians to pause, remember, learn, and act in solidarity with Indigenous survivors, families, and communities affected by the residential school system. It is a day of solemn commemoration and a powerful reminder that Every Child Matters. Why this day matters Established in 2013 through a survivor’s heart-wrenching story, Orange Shirt Day symbolizes not only the tangible losses of identity, culture, language, and dignity, but also the enduring resilience of Indigenous peoples. In 2021, this movement became Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation—a federal statutory holiday born out of Call to Action 80, reflecting the nation’s commitment to facing an uncomfortable past and working toward repair. Looking ahead: September 30, 2025 As we approach the 5th statutory observance of this deeply significant day and the 13th Orange Shirt Day, it’s an opportunity to engage in collective truth-telling and healing. Across the country, communities, educational institutions, organizations, and individuals will come together—raising the Survivors’ Flag, honouring stories, hosting walks, sharing teachings, and wearing orange in unity. Bimaadzwin’s reflection and commitment At Bimaadzwin, we stand with Indigenous families in their pursuit of justice, healing, and equity. As we observe this day, we remind ourselves that commemoration must be interwoven with lasting action—through supporting survivors, empowering communities, and advancing systemic transformation. Isadore Day, CEO, Bimaadzwin shares: “We stand with First Nations families and communities in seeking justice and healing for the harms caused by discriminatory systems. This day is an opportunity to honour the resilience of our children and their futures—because every child truly matters.” This sentiment echoes Bimaadzwin’s broader work—advocating for the rights of children and families and supporting claims under the First Nations Child and Family Services and Jordan’s Principle settlement, which offers a concrete pathway toward healing. How you can honour Every Child Matters Wear orange to show unwavering support and remembrance. Attend or host community commemorations —from walks and ceremonies to flag raisings. Engage in learning —understand the legacy of residential schools, the 94 Calls to Action, and how reconciliation can be enacted. Support grassroots and Indigenous-led initiatives , including the Orange Shirt Society’s vital education and advocacy work. On September 30, 2025, as we honour the children who never returned home and, with them, the enduring strength of survivors and their communities, let us also affirm our responsibility—to uphold that Every Child Matters not just in name, but in lasting, equitable action and care. Together, may we continue walking the path of truth, healing, and reconciliation—one step, one story, one child at a time.
By Bimaadzwin Team June 19, 2025
National Indigenous Peoples Day 2025