September 30th has been declared annually as Orange Shirt Day to recognize the harm that was done to children in the residential school system and that ‘Every Child Matters’ as we move forward with the Truth and Reconciliation process.

This video clip shares Phyllis’ story about the origins and importance of Orange Shirt Day.

Mission’s Orange Shirt Day Event: The March to Heritage Park

On September 30^th, 2016, students from MSS, HPMS, HMS and a few classes from participating elementary schools will march to Heritage park, (the site of St. Mary’s Indian Residential School).

• All students and staff in the district will receive an Orange Pin from Siwal Si’wes to mark the day.
• Before the march, each student will be given a card stock Turtle, outlining the year of Truth (and what it represents), discussing the purpose for “Orange Shirt Day” and the injustices of Canada’s Residential School system.
• Each student will decorate their turtle and write a word or “commitment” of Reconciliation.
• The students will march in orange shirts to the park.
• Students and staff will be met by elders who attended St. Mary’s .
• Each student will place their turtle into a cedar basket in front of the Elders.
• There will be a few words from Elders at the covered area, some drumming and a small give away to each participant of a Reconciliation pin.

Additional information for Educators:

• Resources and Ideas
• Phyllis’s Story – June 2014