Orange Shirt Day this year falls on Sunday Sept. 30, and communities across B.C. are taking part in the annual day, to come together in the spirit of reconciliation.
Orange Shirt Day began in Williams Lake in 2013, and was so-called because it grew from local woman Phyllis Jack Webstad’s story of being stripped of her prized orange shirt on the first day of school at St Joseph Mission residential school, when she was six years old in 1973.
Now, Orange Shirt Day is recognized across the country, and the impact of Canada’s residential school system has been incorporated into B.C.’s school curriculum. The event has become an opportunity to keep the discussion on all aspects of residential schools happening annually, says Orangeshirtday.org.
Schools in SD91 will be taking part in events, and district staff will be wearing their orange shirts on Sept. 28, the Friday before the official Orange Shirt Day.
In Fraser Lake schools, an aboriginal elder will be coming in to schools to talk about her experiences and relay the significance of Orange Shirt Day.
“[She’ll talk about] why it’s important for us to acknowledge that remembering of all of the residential school survivors,” says Leona Prince SD91 district principal of aboriginal education.
“It’s been the historical practice for everyone to do it in their own way. What that is across the board – it’ll vary, with large acknowledgements, the encouragement of wearing orange shirts, the telling of Phyllis’ Story, and in different ways. We have such a diverse community, but they do definitely acknowledge it,” says Leona.
The College of New Caledonia Vanderhoof campus is hosting a Beading Workshop, which is open to the general public, on Sept. 26. The workshop will teach participants how to make an orange beaded lapel, in honour of Orange Shirt Day. Lynette La Fontaine will present the workshop.
“It is in the hopes of many that we can work together as a community, as Orange Shirt Day is an opportunity for First Nations, local governments, schools and communities to come together in the spirit of reconciliation and hope for generations of children to come,” says the College of New Caledonia’s aboriginal liaison Patricia Prince.
“Participating in the days event would be an opportunity to learn a Métis craft, as well as have some discussion on the effects and/or impacts of residential schools. It is also an opportunity for new friendships and new understanding.”
For additional information please contact Patricia at 250-567-3200.