St. Clair College’s Indigenous Student Services office is recognizing Orange Shirt Day across all campuses today.
The day is held annually on September 30, to bring awareness to the damage done by the residential school system in Canada.
Orange Shirt Day was inspired by Phyllis Jack Webstad, a Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation elder in Williams Lake, B.C. She wore a bright orange shirt to her first day of residential school in 1973 when she was six years old. The shirt was taken from her and since then, the colour orange has reminded her that her feelings did not matter. Orange Shirt Day started in Williams Lake in 2013 to commemorate all Residential School Survivors.
The orange shirts are a symbol of solidarity. Wearing orange recognizes the many losses experienced by students, their families and communities, over several generations, including: loss of family and culture, language, freedom, parenting, self-esteem and worth, as well as the painful experiences of abuse and neglect.
September 30 falls during the time of year when Indigenous children were taken away to residential schools.
This day acknowledges that residential schools are a part of our history. Wearing an orange shirt is a national movement to recognize the experience of children who went to Indian Residential Schools, by honouring them and showing a collective commitment to ensure that Every Child Matters. The initiative calls for every Canadian to wear an orange shirt on September 30 in the spirit of healing and reconciliation.
More information can be found at www.orangeshirtday.org. It is important to acknowledge that Orange Shirt Day is a difficult reminder for Residential School Survivors and healing is a lifelong journey.
Everyone is encouraged to wear an orange shirt in honour of those who attended the schools, and for healing. The people who attended residential schools hope that no other child would ever have to live that experience again.
Orange Shirt Day is an opportunity for the St. Clair College community to come together in the spirit of reconciliation and hope for generations of children to come.