Today, MMS recognized Orange Shirt Day.
Orange Shirt Day is a legacy of the St. Joseph Mission (SJM) residential school commemoration event held in Williams Lake, BC, Canada, in the spring of 2013. It grew out of Phyllis’ story of having her shiny new orange shirt taken away on her first day of school at the Mission, and it has become an opportunity to keep the discussion on all aspects of residential schools happening annually.
The date was chosen because it is the time of year in which children were taken from their homes to residential schools, and because it is an opportunity to set the stage for anti-racism and anti-bullying policies for the coming school year. It also gives teachers time to plan events that will include children, as we want to ensure that we are passing the story and learning on to the next generations.
Orange Shirt Day is also an opportunity for First Nations, local governments, schools and communities to come together in the spirit of reconciliation and hope for generations of children to come. (From https://www.orangeshirtday.org/)
Students watched the video Phyllis’ Story – which explains Orange Shirt Day and then they all received an Orange Shirt with the message ‘Every Child Matters’. Students were asked to write on their shirt – ‘Why They Matter’. Many thoughtful responses from students and staff.
We all came together for a school wide assembly to learn more about Residential Schools and Orange Shirt Day. Students watched this slideshow and listened to Gerry Shingoose (9 year Residential School Survivor) share her story of her days at Residential School in Saskatchewan.
It was a reflective morning where students and staff asked questions and learned more about Residential Schools in Canada. Thank you to the parents who were able to join us for the morning.
Moving forward, I encourage everyone to continue to listen to the stories, learn more and share what you have learned.
Listen here to learn more about Orange Shirt Day and Mitchell Middle School.
From SteinbachOnline.com as well as on-air on Mix 96.7FM, Country 107.7FM, and AM1250.
Mr. Mead
in: General