Orange Shirt Day 2022

Firstly, I write to you from the traditional unceded territory of the Northern Secwepemc (Shuswap) peoples including that of the Williams Lake First Nation 

Today is #OrangeShirtDay2022 and also known as the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. A day where we remember all residential school survivors, those who are with us today and those that did not make it. 

Let us hope that we learn from history and never repeat the lessons that came from the creation of residential schools including respect for indigenous cultures, that #EveryChildMatters and for inclusion. 

My Area's Alternate Director, Phyllis Webstad and her story from residential schools inspired "Orange Shirt Day". To read about her story (and I do so every day), go to: http://www.orangeshirtday.org/phyllis-story.html 

There will be events across the Cariboo-Chilcotin Region.  In Williams Lake - there will be a flag raising ceremony at Williams Lake City Hall at 8am then an all day event at the Williams Lake Stampede Grounds, hosted by the Williams Lake First Nation - click here. I personally will be attending the Flag Raising ceremony at WL City Hall as well as the events at the Williams Lake Stampede Grounds

Meanwhile in Quesnel on the traditional territory on the Lhtako Dene Nation -- Quesnel Councillor and SD28 Board Chair Tony Goulet goes over what will be happening today in Quesnel - click here

Finally -- if you are able, please attend an "Orange Shirt Day" event in your local community.  Many of the residential school survivors still with us need support from the non-Indigenous community.  Like many, I am still learning about the unspeakable events that took place at residential schools and how Indigenous peoples were treated between the period of the 1870's until the last residential school closed in 1996 and how we can and must do better with our Indigenous brothers' and sisters.... and I will do what I can to build better relationships with the Indigenous peoples in the Cariboo-Chilcotin Region, across BC and indeed across Canada but recognize this will take a lot of time to complete and missteps will be taken in the journey but one that is indeed necessary.... 

~SF

City of Williams Lake to Observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

The City of Williams Lake will be observing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in support of residential school survivors, their families and communities this Thursday, September 30th. 

The federal statutory holiday provides an important opportunity for reflection as we work toward healing as a nation, and the City encourages everyone to share their stories, to listen, and to engage in events and activities that commemorate this important day.

To honour the day, City facilities and operations will be closed. The Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex will be open with reduced holiday hours from 12 pm to 3:30 pm.

As part of its tireless commitment to promoting global conversations on the history and legacy of residential schools, the Orange Shirt Society will be airing a special full-length video on the Orange Shirt Society YouTube channel beginning September 30th.

The City of Williams Lake would like to recognize the unwavering efforts of Phyllis Webstad and the Orange Shirt Society in advocating for the newly-formed national statutory holiday to support the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Action number 80, which calls upon the federal government to establish a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honour residential school survivors and ensure public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.

Cariboo RD to Observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

Cariboo RD Chair Margo Wagner (L) and
Phyllis Webstad (R) 

The federal government has declared September 30 a statutory holiday (The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation). The Cariboo Regional District (CRD) offices (and libraries) will be closed on September 30 to allow our staff to observe this important day of reflection and commemoration.

“We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Phyllis Webstad of the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation and everyone at the Orange Shirt Society for the tireless work they have done to bring the tragic impacts of the residential school system to light,” said CRD Chair Margo Wagner.

“Phyliss’s bravery in sharing her personal experiences has changed our country for the better. I am proud that this national day of remembrance has roots right here in our region.”

Those wishing to learn more about the history of Canada’s residential school system, Orange Shirt Day (National Day for Truth and Reconciliation), and the Truth and Reconciliation Committee of Canada are invited to visit the resources listed below:

Orange Shirt Society
https://www.orangeshirtday.org/

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
https://nctr.ca/

City of Williams Lake to observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

The Government of Canada recently passed legislation to make September 30th a federal statutory holiday called the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

In its ongoing commitment to meaningful reconciliation, the City of Williams Lake will observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a statutory holiday and encourage staff to attend Orange Shirt Day/National Day for Truth and Reconciliation events and ceremonies.

The City of Williams Lake would like to recognize the tireless work of Phyllis Webstad and the Orange Shirt Day Society in advocating for a national statutory holiday to support the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Action number 80, which calls upon the federal government to establish a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honour residential school survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.

“The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation provides an important opportunity for reflection and recognition of the effects of the residential school system,” said Williams Lake Mayor Walt Cobb. “City of Williams Lake Council is proud of the passionate work undertaken by Phyllis Webstad and the Orange Shirt Day Society – this is a powerful opportunity to work toward healing as a nation.”