Orange Shirt Day honours residential school survivors (3 photos)

A small ceremony was held at Algoma University Monday for Orange Shirt Day, which is intended to recognize the harms caused by the residential school system each year on Sept. 30. 

This year’s Orange Shirt Day also coincided with a ceremony in Gatineau, Que., where the names of 2,800 children who died in residential schools were revealed by The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation through its National Residential School Student Death Register. 

“Today is the day that the registry of children that passed away while in the care of residential schools - the actual names - are listed,” said Elizabeth Edgar-Webkamigad, who began serving as the director of the Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre this past summer. “I think one of the things that’s most important is that there are probably ceremonies like ours, circles like ours, not only happening in our city - at Sault College and other schools - but really, right across the land.”

“This movement that this auntie decided to start a few years has really taken off, and has become something that people talk about.”

Algoma University Chancellor Shirley Horn, who is a survivor of the Shingwauk Indian Residential School, told people gathered for the event that stories of the residential school experience are now being talked about nationally as a result of events like Orange Shirt Day. 

“The impact that we’re making across the country is phenomenal. I believe that,” said Horn. “Because when you think about it, right now, how many people from the east coast to the west coast are sitting in these circles, or sitting in auditoriums, are gathered with one thought?”

“And that is incredible how, if we come together, we can make some things happen.”

Orange Shirt Day is the brainchild of Phyllis Webstad, who was given an orange shirt by her grandmother before attending residential school.

The full text of a release on Orange Shirt Day observations at Sault College follows.

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Today, as part of Orange Shirt Day, Sault College staff and students along with community supporters joined together in the spirit of reconciliation to honour residential school survivors and remember those who did not make it back home to their family.

Taking place in Enji Maawnjiding, the “Where We Gather” Indigenous Centre, guests heard powerful stories from residential school survivor Barbara Nolan.

“Today and every day we encourage everyone to reflect on the important history and legacy of residential schools. Through days like Orange Shirt Day, we’re able to hear stories from those most impacted by residential schools,” said Dr. Ron Common, President Sault College. “These experiences not only help us to learn and grow but also allow us to teach others so together we can continue to move along a journey of healing and reconciliation.”

Sault College offers an open and inviting learning environment and strives to foster an appreciation and understanding of the histories, languages, cultures and traditions of Indigenous peoples.

The college is proud to offer events in support of Indigenous education and takes great pride in this work. Through this education, we’re remaining an active participant in raising awareness and helping to shape both the current generation and generations to come.

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