The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, September 30th, builds on Orange Shirt Day, a legacy of the St. Joseph Mission (SJM) Residential School (1891-1981) Commemoration Project and Reunion events that took place in Williams Lake, BC, Canada, in May 2013.

In honour and remembrance of the students that attended residential schools, BCIT Indigenous Initiatives is reminding Canadians to reflect, dialogue, learn about the history and impact of Canada’s residential school system on Indigenous Peoples.

Indigenous Initiatives at BCIT aims to inspire Canadians to take part in the We Will Always Remember Project to create orange paper shirts (anything to create/sew/draw their orange shirt).

As part of the #WeWillAlwaysRemember project, the Library will be hosting an orange shirt making event. Stop by the Library and fold a paper orange shirt to display in your offices, classroom, and/or window. The process of creating ‘shirts’ together ensures we engage all our senses and take the time to pause and reflect while learning together. We also wanted something that would be an ongoing visual representation and reminder of the numbers of children that attended residential schools.

“Reconciliation is the work of all Canadians. It’s about having the courage to challenge the status quo, and to re-envision education and the type of society we share. Consider what you can do to make your part of the world better, partner in Reconciliation, and seek a world where all voices are heard, honoured, valued, and actioned. We must all be bold and courageous.” Kory Wilson, Executive Director, Indigenous Initiatives and Partnerships