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 (CLB) Chief Mike Archie to the numerous speeches made by other dignitaries and residential school survivors, homage was paid to all those who suffered or were lost during, or after their incarceration at these schools.
Phyllis Webstad talked about her experience at residential school as a young child, a story that led to the creation of Orange Shirt Day last year.
She explained her excitement on her first day quickly turned to dismay as her new orange shirt was immediately seized and the reality of having no one there to nurture her set in.
Then, Eliza Archie Memorial School students performed traditional drumming, as did some Elders who accompanied Gary Fjellgaard singing about residential schools.
Chief Archie noted the sky looked like it might rain, but a little dampness was insignificant in the recognition of children forced to endure things like cutting firewood out in the extreme cold.
“It’s really heartwarming to see the children here to learn that we were there, from our history, and that it is never to repeat itself.”
He thanked the Cariboo Regional District (CRD) and School District #27 (SD27) for their roles in founding Orange Shirt Day.
Archie also expressed the band’s gratitude for the public school curriculums developed to educate today’s students on the history of what happened at these federally mandated schools.
CRD chair Al Richmond was the master of ceremonies for the event, while CLB administrator Alana 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.
