There was a sea of orange over the noon hour Saturday in front of city hall in St. Thomas.
All part of Orange Shirt Day commemoration, in recognition of Sept. 30 as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
One of the event organizers, Amanda Stark, reminded those in attendance of the job that needs to be done.
Orange Shirt Day was inspired by the accounts of Phyllis Webstad who was forced to attend a residential school in Kamloops, B.C.
She is the founder and ambassador of the Orange Shirt Society, and tours the country telling her story.
The day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities.
Coun. Gary Clarke represented the city at the emotional event.
Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.
Clarke encouraged city residents to learn about the legacy left behind by the residential schools.
Elgin-Middlesex-London MP Karen Vecchio stressed the importance of helping families deal with inter-generational trauma.
MP Rob Flack recounted a personal encounter he recently experienced with NDP MPP Sol Mamakwa.
Indigenous children plucked from their home and forced to attend residential schools had their traditions and cultural practices, “stripped away.”
That was the stark picture painted by Betty Jean Phillips Budden, organizer of Saturday’s Orange Shirt Day commemoration in St. Thomas.
She added, perhaps if there was an Indigenous Peoples of St. Thomas Centre there could be more in-depth discussion.
Support is available for anyone affected by the traumatic legacy of residential schools and those who are triggered by the latest reports and recoveries. The Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS) can be contacted toll free at 1-800-721-0066. A national Indian Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support for former students and those affected. People can access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-hour national crisis line: 1-866-925-441.
