Orange shirt Day
September 29, 2021

We encourage all students and staff to wear orange shirts to school tomorrow Wednesday, September 29th, as part of recognizing September 30, 2021, which marks the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Orange shirt day provides a way to remember the painful history and ongoing impacts of Canada’s residential school system.  The symbolism of this day relates to the experience of Phyllis Webstad, a Northern Secwpemc (Shuswap) from the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation. On her first day of school she arrived dressed in a new orange shirt, which was taken from her.  Orange shirts now symbolize the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations.

As a Christ-centered community, we lament the wrongs of the past and the brokenness of the present; we turn to our indigenous brothers and sisters with humble hearts and open ears at this time, as a vital part of the reconciliation process.  Ultimately, we look to Jesus, who is “making all things new,”  and who offers a better future for everyone in His kingdom.

Sincerely,

Matt Driediger

 

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