Every child matters.
ThatSA国际影视传媒檚 why National Child Day, observed on Nov. 20, holds special meaning for Indigenous children, according to Wraychel Horne, spokesperson for Children First Canada.
SA国际影视传媒淚tSA国际影视传媒檚 an acknowledgement that there are populations of children and youth that are disproportionately disadvantaged,SA国际影视传媒� she said. SA国际影视传媒淎nd as the country becomes more engaged, more aware and more active in bringing the (Truth and Reconciliation Commission) to life, we felt that it was an important act of reconciliation that we include elements to recognize the history that weSA国际影视传媒檙e learning about collectively as a nation, about what is still happening in our country to Indigenous children and youth.SA国际影视传媒�
Children First Canada is putting special emphasis on the rights of Indigenous children and youth for National Child Day. ThatSA国际影视传媒檚 why during the month of November, the organization is encouraging people to support a list a of Indigenous organizations, including Indspire, a nationally registered organization known for its charitable work in the North, and elsewhere.
From childrenSA国际影视传媒檚 rights initiatives and activities to educational projects, there are many ways to observe National Child Day, said Horne.
People can wear a blue shirt for the occasion as a way show support and acknowledge what the day represents.
A national kickoff event on Nov. 15 launched celebrations leading up to National Child Day. Speakers at the online event were to include Marci Ien, minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth; Prime Minister Justin Trudeau; and Kayla Alexander, an Olympian and current member of the Canadian Senior WomenSA国际影视传媒檚 National Basketball Team.
Participants were also to be treated to messages from Adelyn Newman-Ting, who at the tender age of 12, is already an award-winning Indigenous author, and Carey Newman, an Indigenous artist and creator of the Witness Blanket.
SA国际影视传媒淭he Witness Blanket is this historic piece of art,SA国际影视传媒� said Horne. SA国际影视传媒淚t acts as a physical bearing of witness to the history of residential schools in Canada. It is a massive wall-art installationSA国际影视传媒� these physical objects that all tell a unique story.SA国际影视传媒�
National Child Day celebrates and safeguards the rights of children in Canada.
It was established by the federal government in 1993 in response to two important events: the 1959 signing of the UN Declaration of the Rights of the Child and the adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989. These documents outline the basic human rights to which children across the world are entitled.
Horne said the theme for this yearSA国际影视传媒檚 celebration SA国际影视传媒� 8 Million Rising SA国际影视传媒� was chosen out of recognition that there are now eight million children and youth in the country.
SA国际影视传媒淭hey make up 25 per cent of our population, but theySA国际影视传媒檙e 100 per cent of our future,SA国际影视传媒� she said. SA国际影视传媒淎nd the fact is that theySA国际影视传媒檙e already leaders right now. Yes, they are our future business leaders, teachers, doctors, politicians, activists, but already theySA国际影视传媒檙e leaders in their schools, in their communities, and also at the national level on issues like social justice and human rights.SA国际影视传媒�
SA国际影视传媒淭here is a rising voice of eight million citizens in this country that is going to get heard,SA国际影视传媒� she continued. SA国际影视传媒淎nd I think the best way that anyone can observe this holiday is to celebrate the amazing leaders that children and youth are in their own ways in their own communities.SA国际影视传媒�
Community events
In the leadup to the day, organizations are hosting events throughout the North.
Briony Grabke, spokesperson for Department of Education, Culture and Employment, said all the events are free including the grand finale.
In an email, Grabke wrote that the SA国际影视传媒淥pen Doors Society is hosting a National Child Day community event on Nov. 19 at the Fort Simpson Recreation Centre. Various community organizations, including a representative from ECE, are helping with this event to prepare activities for the children and families including a bouncy house, face painting, craft table and games.
SA国际影视传媒淣ahanni Butte Early Learning Playgroup/Recreation Coordinator is hosting a community walk and cookout with smores on November 19 for kids and families,SA国际影视传媒� she continued.
Past initiatives have included events in communities, support for early learning and child care operators and displays of childrenSA国际影视传媒檚 artwork at the legislative assembly.
This yearSA国际影视传媒檚 theme is the right to participate. You can learn more at nationalchildday.ca.
