With national messages of hundreds of unmarked graves found in residential schools, more and more people are wearing orange to show their support.
The Wanuskewin souvenir shops in Saskatoon were full.
Every year, the First Nations gift shop sells orange shirts before Orange Shirt Day on September 30th.
Continue reading:
Backpacks honoring unmarked graves will be displayed in the Saskatchewan Legislature on July 1
After discovering hundreds of unmarked graves in Saskatchewan and BC, the store said it wanted to make a difference.
All proceeds from the sale of the orange shirts will go to the Indian Residential School Survivors Society.
The story continues under the advertisement
“The big impact was the second boarding school when they found (the graves),” said manager Shari Bedient. “I just thought this wasn’t our money.”
0:47
Canada Day will be a time for “reflection” after the discovery of the Kamloops residential school, ministers say
Canada Day – a time of “reflection” after the discovery of the Kamloops residential school, say the ministers – June 23, 2021
Served receives a ping on their phone every time they make a sale.
“It was constant over the weekend every time I looked at my phone,” she said.
“It’s emotional to see how many people support.”
Make a change in Canada
Served said that shirts were so popular that the store only had them in size 3-X. She said many customers buy orange shirts before Canada Day and mark the national day differently this year.
Continue reading:
“Nothing you can take”: Survivors and young people reflect on the lasting effects of boarding schools
The story continues under the advertisement
A professor of Indigenous Studies says it’s a good start, but just wearing a shirt isn’t enough.
“I mean, it’s symbolism, but we’re really talking about the changes in the power structures in society that have made this kind of atrocity possible,” said Priscilla Settee.
2:24
Canada Day: Mixed feelings about calls for reflection instead of celebration
Canada Day: Mixed feelings about calls for reflection instead of celebration
Settee said it was important for non-Indians in Canada to push for change.
Meanwhile, Bedient said she didn’t expect to get new shirts before Canada Day. She said she would like to see her in town.
Continue reading:
Melville, Sask. postpones Canada Day amid the discovery of unmarked graves in Marieval
“A sea of orange,” she said with a smile.
The story continues under the advertisement
She said if people want to buy an orange shirt they should buy one from an indigenous artist or an artist who has donated a portion of the proceeds to the Indian Residential School Survivors Society.
The Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program has a hotline to help boarding school survivors and their loved ones suffering from trauma caused by memories of past abuse. The number is 1-866-925-4419.
3:07
Cowesss First Nation holds vigil for boarding school victims
Previous video
Next video
Similar news
© 2021 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
Comments are closed.