Wednesday was Orange Shirt Day

This is a chance for us to commemorate the residential school experience, to witness and honour the healing journey of the survivors and their families, and to commit to the ongoing process of reconciliation. 

The story of its origin is heart wrenching and one that needs to be told so we do not repeat the atrocities of the residential school system ever again. Read more by clicking on the link here https://www.orangeshirtday.org/about-us.html

The events of this week here in Canada have highlighted the need for more movement and real change when it comes to justice and equality for indigenous Canadians. On Monday, Joyce Echaquan, an indigenous mother, wife, sister, daughter and auntie died in hospital while being subject to abuse and insults from the hospital care staff. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/quebec-atikamekw-joliette-1.5743449

On Tuesday a First Nations' teen was found dead in an Abbotsford group home four days after he was reported missing. https://www.abbynews.com/news/action-demanded-over-death-of-first-nations-youth-in-abbotsford-group-home/

These events are horrific and we grieve with the families. But it is not enough that we all just wear an orange shirt each September 30th. We need start being part of the solution, to support demands for justice and to work for reconciliation. Let us listen and learn and move forward together.