F.P. Walshe school students tied orange ribbons to a fence at W.A. Day school, near a sign that read, ‘Every Child Matters.’
W.A. Day school students and staff paused Friday to remember those affected by Canada’s residential schools.
An Orange Shirt Day ceremony was held in the school gymnasium.
“This is a day of remembrance, learning and reflection — a time to honour the children who never returned home, survivors, as well as the many families and communities who were affected by Canada’s residential schools and day school systems,” student Charlie Dalshaug said.
F.P. Walshe school students marked Orange Shirt Day with a walk through the community.
On that walk, they stopped a W.A. Day school to tie orange ribbons to the fence beside a sign that read, “Every Child Matters.”
Orange Shirt Day was first established as an observance in 2013.
The use of an orange shirt as a symbol was inspired by the accounts of Phyllis Jack Webstad, whose personal clothing — including a new orange shirt — was taken from her during her first day of residential schooling, and never returned.
The orange shirt is thus used as a symbol of the forced assimilation of Indigenous children that the residential school system enforced.
Student Holly Zoeteman gave a land acknowledgment, followed by a video explaining Orange Shirt Day, which is held every year on Sept. 30.
Guest speakers Peter Strikes With A Gun and Jeannie Provost told students about their residential school experiences, and the importance of reconciliation.
“Their presence is a gift, and we thank them for being here to share their knowledge, stories and teachings with us,” student Olivia Day Chief said.
Thelma Crowshoe of Fort Macleod Kids First Family Centre was present to announce the winners of the Orange Shirt Day art contest.
Each student and staff member received a T-shirt bearing the winning art work.
“Thank you Thelma for your words, and also for all of the time and effort that you put into planning the art contest and making the shirts,” Charlie Dalshaug said. “We will wear our orange shirts with pride and as a reminder that reconciliation is something that we need to be committed to every day.”
Students and staff then took part in a walk in the community.
“We will walk as a school community to honour the children who were taken from their families, to show we are united in our commitment to truth, reconciliation and justice, and to remember that every step matters, just as every child matters,” Charlie said. “Every step we take towards understanding and compassion makes a difference. This is more than just a school activity, it is a living gesture of reconciliation, helping us to remember the past and making a commitment to build a more inclusive, respectful future.”
