Residential school legacy remembered

On September 29th, 2017 BMLSS hosted its very first Orange Shirt Day. Orange Shirt Day honours the legacy of the Saint Joseph Mission Residential School Commemoration Project started in May 2013 by former student, Chief Fred Robbins.

He, along with other former students and their families came together to recognize the impact and effects of residential schools and to assist in reconciliation between the school’s survivors and the scars of the past.

Orange Shirt Day received its name from Phyllis Webstad, a former student of the Saint Joseph Mission school who shared her story that started with one orange shirt. During her youth Phyllis’ grandmother bought her this shirt so she could wear it to school, however on the first day those who had power in the school took it and replaced it with a school uniform. Phyllis never saw the shirt again, and now it serves as a reminder of the atrocities committed many years ago, and the scars these survivors must bear day to day.

Former Tragically Hip singer Gord Downie has kept the ball rolling with his solo album called “The Secret Path”, his film, and graphic novel which tell the story of Chanie Wenjack. This story is about a young boy who died trying to return home from a cruel life in a residential school, to reunite with his loving family.

At BML, grade 12 student Jade Allard was inspired to organize Orange Shirt Day as a result of a presentation she had done in her previous Grade 10 history class.

“ I just thought that today’s children need to accept the fact that it could have been us”, said Jade.

The day of hope and healing has now been scheduled for September 30th, a day in close proximity to when the students would have been going to the residential schools. For more information visit, http://www.orangeshirtday.org.