A full afternoon of activities is planned for Orange Shirt Day/National Day for Truth and Reconciliation this Tuesday outside city hall and at St. Thomas Public Library.
The free community event for all ages is being billed as, “an afternoon of learning, reflection, and community connection.”
myFM spoke at length with one of the organizers, Betty Jean Phillips Budden, who, along with Amanda Stark, has presented Sept. 30 events in past years.
She explains a new activity this year that will take place prior to the main presentation at noon.
As was the case last year at city hall, there will be Indigenous dancers, in this case a family affair.
Also new this year is the addition of vendors who will showcase Indigenous creativitiy.
Budden has a simple message for those planning to attend at city hall on Tuesday.
“I think it’s important to keep the education going, not just on September 30th or not just on June 21st, Indigenous Day, but everyday. We’re not just here on those two days, you know. We are here every day of the year, right?
However, what Budden really would like to see moving forward is an Indigenous Peoples cultural centre in St. Thomas. Something similar to the N’Amerind Friendship Centre in London.
“We need something, a center or a gathering place where we can come together and share our experiences, share our knowledge. Like I bead as a hobby, you know, native beading and I make dream catchers and, you know, native crafts. So to share that knowledge.
“We need a place to do that, you know, have workshops or even like our indigenous foods and our dances, our culture, right?”
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.
Written by Ian McCallum
