News release

For immediate release

Diane Sam with Victoria Orange Shirt Day organizers Eddy Charlie and Kristin Spray.

 

Saanich, BC – The District ofSaanich has partnered with Victoria Orange Shirt Day organizers Eddy Charlie and Kristin Spray to share important perspectives about the ongoing effects of residential schools in a new video.

The 15-minute video aims to share lesser-known perspectives and open important conversations around the impact of residential schools on Survivors, as well as on members of their families—often referred to as intergenerational Survivors. Appearing in the video, Diane Sam shares her experience as the child and grandchild of residential school and Indian day school Survivors.

“I feel that listening to the voices of residential school Survivors is the most important thing for reconciliation,” said Eddy Charlie, a former student at Kuper Island residential school.  “The intergenerational group—children of residential school Survivors—are experiencing the most harm right now.”

Released ahead of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation — with September 30 also known as Orange Shirt Day — Saanich hopes that the important and powerful firsthand accounts shared in the video will help deepen understanding and foster relationship building at all times of the year.

“Showing our commitment to working toward reconciliation through understanding and relationship building is deeply significant,” said Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services Suzanne Samborski. “Listening to Survivors is a critical first step, and this video makes that more accessible to everyone. I hope people will make the time and space to take in these important words and reflect.”

The video appears on saanich.ca/orangeshirtday, a new page for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, alongside information for local events happening September 30. It will also be shared on Saanich’s social media channels.

Victoria Orange Shirt Day is an annual event begun by Eddy Charlie and Kristin Spray, taking inspiration from Phyllis Webstad. In 2013, Webstad shared her story of having her shiny orange shirt taken from her at the age of six when she arrived at St. Joseph Mission residential school. The first Orange Shirt Day events were held in Williams Lake and 100 Mile House in 2013. Many communities have since begun similar traditions to honour residential school survivors and those who never made it home.

The Victoria Orange Shirt Day event will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, September 30 in Centennial Square and is free for the public to attend.

Saanich will lower the flags at its municipal facilities to half-mast and light up the Municipal Hall in orange in recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Orange shirts for purchase

For the month of September, Saanich recreation centres joined many local businesses in selling Victoria Orange Shirt Day’s t-shirts and hooded sweatshirts. The apparel features a design by local artist Bear Horne that includes a bear to help us follow the right path, an eagle to help us have a vision of a bright future, a hummingbird to keep our mind, body, and spirit healthy, and a flower to feed the connection of all these elements. 100 percent of the proceeds benefit Victoria Orange Shirt Day.

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Media contacts:

April McNeil
Victoria Orange Shirt Day
april.mcneil@gmail.com
250-885-1416

Cristina Caravaca, Senior Manager, Community Services
District of Saanich
cristina.caravaca@saanich.ca
250-475-5409