Orange Shirt Day | Every Child Matters

Sep. 30, 2019


Orange Shirt Day is an opportunity for all people to come together in the spirit of reconciliation. Orange Shirt Day began in 2013 when residential school survivor, Phyllis Webstad, shared how her orange shirt was taken away on her first day at a residential school. 

Safe and Caring Schools is partnering with Calgary Board of Education, Calgary Catholic School Board, Calgary Public Library, and the City of Calgary to host an event on October 4 to acknowledge Orange Shirt Day. Safe and Caring Schools has committed to providing bussing and orange shirts for the following CBE schools who were successful in a lottery: Mountain Park, Rosedale, Discovering Choices, Jack James, Forest Lawn, Dr. Gordon Higgins, Dr. Gladys McKelvie Egbert. Students from these schools will hear from Residential School Survivors Elder Ruth Scalplock and Phyllis Webstad. The drum group Sorrel Riders from Siksika Nation will also be sharing an honour song and leading a round dance. 

Orange Shirt Day is held nationally on September 30th.  You can promote reconciliation in welcoming, caring, respectful, safe, and inclusive school communities by wearing an orange shirt. You are also encouraged to tweet a photo of yourself using the #OrangeShirtDay, #EveryChildMatters and #CBEIndigenousEd. 

 

The Board of Trustees comes together in the spirit of reconciliation.