Here are some of the events, stories and articles that caught the attention of JFK Law’s lawyers and staff this month.

EVENT: Orange Shirt Day, September 30th

https://www.orangeshirtday.org/

Started in 2013, Orange Shirt Day recognizes residential school survivors. The symbol of the orange shirt recalls the experience of Phyllis Webstad, who had her new orange shirt taken from her on the first day of residential school. All over Canada there are events happening to commemorate Orange Shirt Day and reflect on the history of residential schools.

CBC: Residential school survivors share stories in lead up to Orange Shirt Day

CBC: Thousands of people marched in Vancouver’s Walk for Reconciliation on Sunday.  The walk capped off B.C.’s annual Reconciliation Week, which honours residential school survivors and addresses the work that must be done in order to meet goals established by Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Victoria: Every Child Matters

IN THE NEWS

With the focus on storms and forest fires it can be easy to overlook the critical importance of protecting our planets water resources.
The Guardian: Plastic fibres found in tap water around the world, study reveals.

CBC: Toasting to roasting: Inuit-owned coffee company teams up with Indigenous farmers in Peru

This article is on the recent and unusual decision by the SCC regarding intervenors in the TWU action.
SLAW: The Unfortunate Incident of the TWU Intervention Decisions

CBC: Gwich’in fiddler fulfills childhood dream as Air Canada pilot

Toronto Star: Indigenous participation in infrastructure projects to increase: Moody’s

Highway of Tears walk continues to seek answers alongside Inquiry for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

CBC: ‘We know our women are out there’: Tamara’s Walk on B.C.’s Highway of Tears demands answers

OPINION

A key issue engaged by reconciliation is the law as it relates to Indigenous peoples and in particular what should be done with the Indian Act. While the opinions in this piece remain those of the author, this article does take a thoughtful look at the challenges of replacing the Indian Act.

Macleans, Jean Teillet, Why dismantling the Indian Act will be nearly impossible
Opinion: And it might not be much of a solution to the issues that plague “Indians” in Canada, anyway