Downtown St. Thomas businesses are coming together to help the community learn and reflect ahead of Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
A community Story Walk will be set up throughout downtown from September 21 to October 12, featuring Phyllis’ Orange Shirt by Phyllis Webstad.
Story panels will be displayed in the front windows of 11 participating businesses and organizations along Talbot Street. Visitors can walk from one location to the next, following the story while learning more about the experiences behind Orange Shirt Day.
The Story Walk begins at the Horton Farmers Market and continues through participating locations including Streamliners Espresso Bar, Myrtle Shop, The Art Crypt, River of Life Rehabilitation, Purely Wicked, The Nook, Taco House Co., Lockwood Books and Reed’s Records.
The final stop is the St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre.
Organizers say the Story Walk offers an opportunity to slow down, read, reflect and learn, while also encouraging residents to explore and support downtown businesses.
Orange Shirt Day is observed on September 30, while the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation honours the children who never returned home from residential schools, as well as Survivors, their families and communities.
Written by: Kennedy Freeman
