As a parent, educator and writer I am deeply inspired by the struggles young people face and the courage they show in over coming often incredibly difficult experiences. I am grateful that at long last there is an avenue for all Canadians to stand together and acknowledge the truth of what happened to First Nations children, their families, and their communities in the Indian Residential School System.
September 30th is Orange Shirt Day- This day, and the wearing of an orange shirt, "symbolizes the losses experienced by those who were sent to Indian Residential Schools over several generations. Losses of family, culture, language, freedom, parenting, self-esteem and worth were experienced by everyone.
Beatings, abuse and neglect plagued many. Let's not forget the children, but honour them on Sept. 30th."
Please join me and the thousands of others who will wear an orange shirt, Monday Sept. 30th.