Wednesday, September 30th is Orange Shirt Day. It also marks the 6th annual National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, which was passed by legislation this summer to become a federal statutory holiday. However, Gledhill JR PS will be at school and acknowledging this day.
Established in 2013, Orange Shirt Day was inspired by Phyllis Webstad, who was excited to wear her new orange shirt to her first day of school in 1973. However, when she arrived at St. Joseph Mission Residential School, her shirt was taken and never returned. From that day forward, the colour orange, for Phyllis, reminded her of that moment, how her feelings didn’t matter, how she felt like she wasn’t worth anything and that no one cared for the children who were crying about it that day.
Now, on this day, we recognize the legacy and impact of the residential schools system on First Nations, Métis and Inuit families and communities.
We acknowledge the legacy of residential schools in Canada by wearing orange and we honour the survivors. We remember the thousands of children who were murdered and buried in unmarked graves.
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