Trigger warning: mention of residential schools.
On September 30, CLBC recognizes Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. In doing so, we stand alongside Indigenous communities in raising awareness about the individual, community and generational trauma caused by residential schools – honouring children who survived and remembering those who did not. It is an opportunity to reflect on the lasting impact and legacy of residential schools and commit to the ongoing process of reconciliation.
About Orange Shirt Day
First honoured in 2013, Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led day to create awareness of the historic and ongoing impacts of residential schools. Orange Shirt Day relates to the experience of Phyllis Webstad, who is Northern Secwépemc (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. It is now a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations. “The color orange has always reminded me of that and how my feelings didn’t matter, how no one cared and how I felt like I was worth nothing.” You can read Phyllis’s story here.
“Every Child Matters” artwork by Wyatt Collins
This “Every Child Matters” artwork by Indigenous artist Wyatt Collins is displayed on posters in CLBC’s local offices and on orange shirts worn by CLBC staff to recognize September 30.
Over the last few years, CLBC’s Indigenous Relations team has distributed Orange Shirt Day shirts to all CLBC staff. The shirts feature “Every Child Matters” artwork painted by Wyatt Collins and commissioned by CLBC. Wyatt is Nlaka’pamux from the Nicola Valley and has Autism. You can read more about Wyatt and his family here.
Wyatt started painting in 2017 and discovered his unique style in Abstract Expressionism. Wyatt paints with a clear focus that allows him to show emotion through his uninhibited brushwork. In his “Every Child Matters” painting, Wyatt portrays “children on the red road”, which, in Indigenous culture, “signifies a spiritual path and being connected to everything, respecting all our relations, Mother Earth and Father Sky. It reminds us to honour our ancestors. It is walking the right path in life and believing in a power higher and greater than us.”
Available mental health supports
The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line provides 24-hour crisis support to former Indian Residential School students and their families toll-free at 1-866-925-4419.
