Recently, the Government of Canada passed legislation to make September 30th a federal statutory holiday under the name: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day is an opportunity for each one of us to recognize the legacy of residential schools. Whether you choose to spend the day in quiet reflection or participate in a community event, we encourage you to abide by the province’s health and safety guidelines.
“On National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we honour and remember the lost children and survivors of the residential school system. We must acknowledge past and present injustices experienced by Indigenous Peoples and work together towards truth and reconciliation.” – Mikaela Torres, Executive Director at CVIMS
This year, the Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society (CVIMS) will take this opportunity to expand our learnings more and share resources and activities with our clients and the community.
Office closure
Our offices will be closed on September 30th to honour the day. Our staff and clients are encouraged to participate in the Indigenous community events. We will host two events on the same day; One in Spirit Walks.
One in Spirit Walks
Elder Randy Fred and Dr. Ansel Updegrove invite you to join them on a walk at Westwood Lake. The “One in Spirit” walks are an opportunity to share your story in a safe environment.
We will have two groups on September 30th; one starts at 10:00 am, and the other begins at 1:30 pm.
“I am looking forward to leading 2 groups at Westwood Lake on September 30. We want participants to feel safe while sharing their stories. Dr. Ansel Updegrove will accompany us to ensure our physical and emotional safety.
I will begin with a song then explain a bit about the history of the place. Then I will share my story. We will walk until someone else is ready to share their story. When we reach our destination we will share a lunch.” – Elder Randy Fred.
You can ask for more details and register by contacting Beme at blei@cvims.org or 250-753-6911
Orange shirt day
September 30th has been declared Orange Shirt Day to recognize the harm the residential school system did to the Indigenous children and affirm that every child matters. The orange shirt is a reflection of Phyllis Webstad’s story:
“I went to the Mission for one school year in 1973/1974. I had just turned 6 years old. I lived with my grandmother on the Dog Creek reserve. We never had very much money, but somehow my granny managed to buy me a new outfit to go to the Mission school. I remember going to Robinson’s store and picking out a shiny orange shirt. It had string laced up in front, and was so bright and exciting – just like I felt to be going to school!
When I got to the Mission, they stripped me, and took away my clothes, including the orange shirt! I never wore it again. I didn’t understand why they wouldn’t give it back to me, it was mine! The color orange has always reminded me of that and how my feelings didn’t matter, how no one cared and how I felt like I was worth nothing. All of us little children were crying and no one cared.
I was 13.8 years old and in grade 8 when my son Jeremy was born. Because my grandmother and mother both attended residential school for 10 years each, I never knew what a parent was supposed to be like. With the help of my aunt, Agness Jack, I was able to raise my son and have him know me as his mother.
I went to a treatment centre for healing when I was 27 and have been on this healing journey since then. I finally get it, that the feeling of worthlessness and insignificance, ingrained in me from my first day at the mission, affected the way I lived my life for many years. Even now, when I know nothing could be further than the truth, I still sometimes feel that I don’t matter. Even with all the work I’ve done!
I am honored to be able to tell my story so that others may benefit and understand, and maybe other survivors will feel comfortable enough to share their stories.” – Phyliss Webstad, orangeshirtday.org
Special Webinar: Out of the Darkness and Into the Light
The Canadian Nutrition Society (CNS) is hosting a webinar to acknowledge past harms and ongoing practices that negatively impact the wellbeing of Indigenous Peoples. The webinar will also highlight ways to move forward by mentioning examples occurring from respect and trust collaborations. To learn more, visit the event’s page, or visit this Registration Page to register.
Resources and further learning
For books to read, documentaries to watch, and webinars to attend, visit this page on VIU’s website.
You can also check your Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) branch for events and books related to the Indigenous Peoples’ culture and history. The library has books for children, teens, and adults.
