The Wellington Catholic District School Board joins school boards and communities across Canada in acknowledging Orange Shirt Day on Monday, September 30th, 2019.
Orange Shirt Day is an annual event commemorated on September 30th to acknowledge the impact of residential schools, promote reconciliation, and honour of our Indigenous communities.
Orange Shirt Day started in the spring of 2013, when a commemoration event was held in Williams Lake, BC to honour those who attended the St. Joseph Mission residential school. Orange Shirt Day was inspired by the experience and story of Phyllis (Jack) Webstad whose new orange shirt was taken away from her on her first day of school at St. Joseph Mission. Her story and Orange Shirt Day is now used as an excellent opportunity to raise awareness and foster discussions about all aspects of residential schools.
Wearing an orange shirt and promoting the slogan, Every Child Matters, is an affirmation of our commitment to raise awareness of the residential school experience and ensure that every child matters as we focus on our hope for a better future together.