Schools in the Lakeland will be joining in on a day to commemorate First Nation students who were forced into the residential school system. On Friday, September 28th students with the Northern Lights Public School Division will take part in activities that include discussions on the history of the day and why it’s important to take the time to recognize it.
NLPSD Communications Officer Nicole Garner says the history of the day and the importance of the colour orange come from Phyllis Webstad, a survivor of the residential school program.
“When she was just six years old she was taken from her home and sent to the residential schools. She had gone there with a shiny orange shirt on. It was taken away from her. To her, that’s a symbol of her story and experience.”
All students attending class are encouraged to wear an orange shirt. Garner says the activities of the day are important for the passing generations to remember what has happened in the past.
“What they [residential schools] were. What experiences people had at them. The impact and effect residential schools had on First Nations peoples.”
Parents can follow along through pictures and updates on the NLPSD Facebook and Instagram pages.