Episcopalians honor Indigenous boarding school victims, survivors on Orange Shirt Day

The useful part

30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, an annual observance to bring awareness to Indigenous boarding schools and to honor victims, survivors and their families. Episcopal dioceses and institutions are observing the day with educational events, including lectures, panel discussions with survivors and documentary screenings. The day of remembrance isn't an official churchwide observance, but The Episcopal Church's Truth, Justice & Healing Commission on Native Boarding Schools is working on a resolution to make it so.

How it works

• They will discuss how churches and communities are working towards truth-telling and repair, and how Christians can participate.
• Some dioceses, including Maine and Northern Michigan, have been observing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation for several years.
• Several members of the Truth, Justice & Healing Commission on Native Boarding Schools will participate in events.
• Episcopal Divinity School, the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery and the Diocese of Arizona will co-host a livestreamed presentation and panel discussion on Sept.
• "For me as a boarding school survivor and being on this commission, I'm driven by the fact that something has to be done for these children," Chanar told Episcopal News Service.

What to take from it

Allen Buck, a Cherokee elder who serves as director of the United Methodist Church's Circle of Indigenous Ministries in the Northwest.

Details worth keeping

Joining Chanar in the panel discussion are Vance Blackfox, a Cherokee theologian who serves as the Indigenous Theological Circle's ecumenical and tribal relations director and is a member of the boarding schools commission, and the Rev.