Orange Shirt Day has increased in momentum over the past few years. The event recognizes victims and survivors of Canada's residential schools. (NanaimoNewsNOW file photo)

By Ian Holmes

Day of reflection

Orange Shirt Day front and centre in Nanaimo

Sep 29, 2019 | 8:52 AM

NANAIMO — Orange will be common colour theme in many Nanaimo schools and workplaces on Monday.

Orange Shirt Day on Sept. 30 recognizes victims and survivors of Canada’s disgraceful residential school history.

The initiative started in 2013 by elder Phyliss Webstad, who had her new bright orange shirt taken away from her while at her first day of classes at a Williams Lake residential school in 1973.

School District 68 director of instruction for indigenous learning Ted Cadwallader said this important annual event speaks to some of their 14,000 students who feel like they don’t matter or don’t belong.

“Through using Orange Shirt Day and Phyliss’ story, we can send a message that all students matter.”

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Many Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools students have family members carrying deep wounds from damage caused by residential schools, Cadwallader said.

He said some students step out of their comfort zone to share how residential schools impacted their family.

“We have resources that can help teachers bring those hard conversations to the classroom, and the celebration of Orange Shirt Day is another way to do that,” Cadwallader told NanaimoNewsNOW.

Residential schools operated in Canada between the 1830’s and mid 1990’s as government sponsored religious schools. Indigenous students were stripped of their culture, while some faced physical and sexual abuse.

Cadwallader is encouraged to see Orange Shirt Day’s increased momentum over the past few years. He said Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools administrators have Orange Shirt Day activities planned as do their schools, home to an estimated 2,300 Indigenous students.

Many other local organizations are taking part in Orange Shirt Day, including VIU, the City of Nanaimo, Snuneymuxw First Nation, Nanaimo Christian School and the Nanaimo Clippers.

ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes