Splatsin to mark Orange Shirt Day with commemorative walk

Photo: Jon Manchester

Splatsin will recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30 with a commemorative walk, speakers, drumming, and a luncheon.

All are welcome to attend, but are asked to wear an orange shirt.

Each year, Sept. 30 honours children who never returned home and survivors of Canada's residential schools, as well as their families and communities.

"Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process," the North Okanagan First Nation says.

The day will start will opening remarks at the Enderby Chamber of Commerce followed a walk to the Splatsin Community Centre at 10:30.

After that, there will be a lunch followed by a ceremony honouring survivors at 1 p.m.

Shirts may be purchased on the day at the Splatsin Community Centre, from 9 to 10 a.m. Before that, can be purchased at the Splatsin Tsm7aksaltn Society, at 2730 Canyon Rd.

Orange Shirt Day began in B.C. as a legacy of the St. Joseph Mission Residential School (1891-1981) commemoration project and reunion in Williams Lake.

A then six-year-old Phyllis (Jack) Webstad had her shiny new orange shirt, bought by her grandmother, taken away on her first day at residential school.

The date was chosen for the time of year whenb children were taken from their homes to the residential schools.