What is Orange Shirt Day?
In the spring of 2013, a commemoration event was held in Williams Lake, BC to honour those who attended the St. Joseph Mission (SJM) residential school. Orange Shirt Day was inspired by the experience and story of Phyllis (Jack) Webstad whose shiny new orange shirt was taken away on her first day of school at the Mission. Her story and Orange Shirt Day has become an opportunity to keep the discussion on all aspects of residential schools happening annually.
Orange Shirt Day is also an opportunity for YCDSB schools and communities to come together in the spirit of reconciliation and hope for generations of children to come. It opens the conversation on all aspects of residential schools and it is an opportunity to create meaningful discussion about the effects and the legacy they have left behind. Orange Shirt Day will help to promote healing in our YCDSB Catholic school communities where indigenous and non-indigenous students study, work and play. On Monday September 30th we invite all students and staff at St. Nicholas to wear orange to honour all those who attended residential schools and support this initiative.