Every Child Matters – UGDSB participates in Orange Shirt Day
September 29, 2017
GUELPH, Ontario – September 30 is Orange Shirt Day. Orange Shirt Day is an opportunity for people to come together in the spirit of reconciliation and to keep discussing openly all aspects of residential schools.
Orange Shirt Day originated in the spring of 2013 as a response to Phyllis’ story about when she had her shiny new orange shirt taken away on her first day at the St. Joseph Mission residential school.
September 30 was picked as Orange Shirt Day, as this is the time of year in which children were taken to residential schools.
According to event organizers, “Orange Shirt Day is also an opportunity for First Nations, local governments, schools and communities to come together in the spirit of reconciliation and hope for generations of children to come.”
Since September 30 is a Saturday, the Upper Grand District School Board observed the day throughout the week, ending with UGDSB board office staff wearing orange shirts on September 29. Staff at the Guelph board office set up displays with numerous books and information, and answered questions with regards to residential schools and reconciliation.
When reflecting on Orange Shirt Day, UGDSB First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education Curriculum Lead Colinda Clyne said, “The day is a great opportunity to begin discussions about a part of Canadian history many people don’t know, the long history of residential schools and how knowing this, changes our lenses and actions for the future.”
For more information about Orange Shirt Day, please visit www.orangeshirtday.org.
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