September 26, 2024 – OK School students and staff participated in a walk from OK School around NCN and back to OK School in honour of Orange Shirt Day, honouring our relatives who were taken to residential schools. The day serves to remember those who survived and the many children who never returned home. It is a reminder of the trauma caused by the residential school system and the need for reconciliation.

History of Orange Shirt Day
Orange Shirt Day originated from the story of Phyllis Webstad, whose new orange shirt was taken away on her first day at the Mission School in 1973 – 1974. This simple act became symbolic of the larger injustice faced by Indigenous children who were forced to attend these Residential schools, losing their cultural identity in the process. That feeling Phyllis endured through Residential school of feeling worthless is the feeling that many people carry with them after their residential school experience. Students and staff wore orange during the walk to show solidarity for the survivors and their families. This act conveyed that every child deserves to feel valued and supported.

A Day of Learning and Commitment to Reconciliation
Orange Shirt Day focuses on remembering the past. It also emphasizes the need for ongoing education and reconciliation. At OK School, the event was an opportunity to help students understand the importance of listening, learning, and working together to create a more inclusive and compassionate society. The day’s activities reinforced that the journey of reconciliation is not just a one-day effort but a commitment that extends throughout the year.

Community and Gratitude
The walk was carefully organized by OK school staff, who ensured students were safe and looked after throughout the event. Their efforts allowed students to engage meaningfully with the day’s significance while building a sense of community and shared responsibility.

This event served as a reminder of the importance of recognizing past injustices done to our Indigenous people and committing to positive change. OK school showed the strength of unity and the hope for continued healing and understanding as NCN Community strives for reconciliation.

As the event concluded, the focus remained on the importance of honouring Indigenous children and ensuring that every child’s rights, identity, and potential are upheld. Orange Shirt Day is not just about remembrance. It’s about ensuring that these conversations continue and lead to lasting change.

 

To read more about Phyllis Webstad, please visit: https://orangeshirtday.org/phyllis-story/