Orange Shirt Day started in 2013, in Williams Lake, telling the story of Phyllis (Jack) Webstad. It’s focus is to witness and honour the healing journey of residential school survivors.
This is the first Truth and Reconciliation/Orange Shirt Day since the reports of the unmarked graves in Residential Schools were reported nationally. The question, “what should we do?” is on the minds of many people.
It is a day to Learn about the history of Residential Schools, Witness and Support the Resiliency of the Survivors, and Honour the present and continuing healing journeys for all people injured and traumatized by Residential Schools.
There are a number of activities taking place in the Lower Mainland. Here are a few:
A Walk with Elders and their families is open to the entire community.
It begins at 9am at the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre 1607 East Hastings Vancouver and proceeds to Grandview Park from 11 – 2 with Activities, food, drum circle, crafting and sharing.
March at University of BC
Starts at 12noon outside the Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre.
Proceeds along the Main Mall to the Reconciliation Pole and finishes at the Engineering Cairn.
Tea and Bannock, address from an Elder/Survivor and information regarding Residential Schools will be available.
215 PM Drumming for the Children Call from Tk’emlups People
Tk’emlups te Secwepemc calls on people world wide to drum simultaneously for the missing children of Indian Residential Schools on September 30 at 2:15pm.
The community is offering an Honour song to connect, and support the missing children.
A link to the presentation by the Tk’emlups Nation: