Proclamation - Orange Shirt Day

Proclamation - Orange Shirt Day

September 27, 2021

Whereas, the orange shirt has become a symbol of remembrance for residential school survivors; and

Whereas, the symbol originated in the experience of Phyllis (Jack) Webstad of the Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation, who shared her story of how her new orange shirt was taken away from her on her first day at St. Joseph Mission Residential School, leaving her with feelings of worthlessness and insignificance; and

Whereas, Indigenous children were historically taken from their homes to residential schools at the end of September; and

Whereas, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada has called for a national day of remembrance for residential school survivors; and

Whereas, this day will provide a way for our community to publicly commemorate the history and legacy of residential schools and the resilience of residential school survivors, commemoration being a vital component of the reconciliation process; and

Whereas, Shelburne is a community that celebrates its cultural diversity.

Now Therefore, I, Mayor Wade Mills, do hereby proclaim September 30, 2021, as “Orange Shirt Day” in the Town of Shelburne And that the Orange Shirt Day flag raising take place September 30, 2021, and that the flag be flown until at least October 3, 2021.

Additional Resources

• The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation 

• Residential School Survivor Stories 

• Films relating to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirits (content warning)

• Read Phyllis Webstad's Story in Her Own Words
• Watch the Story of Chanie Wenjack
• Remember Me – An Annual Day of Remembrance (Content warning)
• The National Student Memorial Register Names of the Children who were known to have died at Residential School (Content warning)
• Did You Live Near a Residential School?
• A Timeline of Residential Schools in Canada
• Indigenous History and Treaty Lands in Dufferin County
• Talk4Healing - A Culturally Grounded Helpline for Indigenous women
• Hope for Wellness Help Line for Indigenous Peoples