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Canim Lake Band member Shirley David, left, used the ceremonial feather fan to smudge Sheila Dick in a cleansing ritual, while Cheryl Chapman looked on. The smudging ceremony took place just before the opening ceremonies at Orange Shirt Day in Lumberman’s Park in 100 Mile House on Sept. 30.
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Orange shirts recognition of harm Indian residential schools shed shame on Canadians
Carole Rooney
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Heartfelt expressions of apology mingled with sorrowful tears and poignant memories at a Sept. 30 ceremony held in recognition of the tragic impacts of Indian residential schools. The Second Annual Orange Shirt Day in 100 Mile House attracted up to 400 adults and students to Lumberman’s Park. Some were First Nations people who were very likely victims of the terrible experiences that ranged from being wrenched from their families at a tender age to ongoing abuse and neglect. Others spoke or sang about their sorrow and apologies for the more than 150,000 Aboriginal children who attended these schools in Canada between 1857 and 1996 – at least 4,900 of whom died there. From the opening prayers and
comments by Canim Lake Band Chief Archie noted the sky (CLB) Chief Mike Archie to the looked like it might rain, but a little numerous speeches made by other dampness was insignificant in the dignitaries and residential school recognition of children forced to survivors, homage was paid to endure things like cutting firewood all those who suffered or out in the extreme cold. were lost during, or after “It’s really heartwarming their incarceration at these to see the children here to schools. learn that we were there, Phyllis Webstad talked from our history, and that it about her experience at resiis never to repeat itself.” dential school as a young He thanked the Cariboo child, a story that led to the Regional District (CRD) and creation of Orange Shirt Day School District #27 (SD27) MIKE ARCHIE last year. for their roles in founding She explained her exciteOrange Shirt Day. ment on her first day quickly turned Archie also expressed the band’s to dismay as her new orange shirt gratitude for the public school curwas immediately seized and the real- riculums developed to educate ity of having no one there to nurture today’s students on the history of her set in. what happened at these federally Then, Eliza Archie Memorial mandated schools. School students performed tradiCRD chair Al Richmond was the tional drumming, as did some Elders master of ceremonies for the event, who accompanied Gary Fjellgaard while CLB administrator Alana singing about residential schools. Dixon, 100 Mile House Mayor Mitch
Campsall and Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett were among those who spoke from their heart. Barnett also brought a message from the provincial government thanking Webstad for her courage in coming forward with her story. “I say to the young people, do not be afraid to talk to anyone should you have someone do something to you that should never be done. Think of Phyllis when you are afraid; think of her brave courage and the people who ... do love you. Because each and every one of you matters.” The younger students in attendance wrapped up the event by colouring around their handprints on poster boards marked “Every Child Matters.” Then, each of these children added their names to show they understand they can take steps to help others who may be frightened, sad or lonely.