Orange Shirt Day grew from the commemoration event of the St. Joseph Mission residential school in 2013 and one woman’s story of her experience there. On her first day at the school, Phyllis had her new orange shirt taken away from her. The colour orange has remained a symbol for Phyllis. A reminder that no one cared, that her feelings didn’t matter.

As the leaves change colour and we are sending our own children to school, it is a time to reflect on our history, and the lasting legacy of residential schools. To honour those that survived their residential school experience…and those that did not return home.

This Friday, Aboriginal Health invites you to come walk with us. Ensure that the discussion around residential schools continues, that the story is passed down and the lessons learned are not forgotten. Orange shirt day is an opportunity to bring life to anti-racism and anti-bullying policies in the new school year.

The VCH Aboriginal Health Team will be joining Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS) at the Lu’ma Native Housing Society office (2960 Nanaimo Street). At 10:00am we will begin our walk to the Indian Residential School Survivors Society office (2406 Nanaimo Street) in honour of those who attended residential schools. A celebration with drumming and refreshments will follow the walk.

More info

For details on the event on September 30th or information about purchasing orange t-shirts contact IRSSS: 1-800-721-0066 More info about Orange Shirt Day at: http://www.orangeshirtday.org/