Orange Shirt Day I National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Recognizing the importance of honouring a day for vital work with Indigenous peoples across Canada, the B.C. Government is formally observing the Federal Government’s new National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, 2021. As a public sector institution, Selkirk College will be closed that day for staff and students to mark this statutory holiday.
This day responds to Truth & Reconciliation Call to Action #80 to honour survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history of residential schools and recognition of the ongoing trauma to Indigenous peoples remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.
Reconginzed annually on September 30, Orange Shirt Day puts focus on raising awareness. Selkirk College encourages all students and employees to particpate by wearing orange through the entire week of September 27 to October 1. Orange Day t-shirts can be purchased at the Selkirk College bookstore on the Castlegar Campus with more information on hours here.
Join Selkirk College and Indigenous Services for a week of activities that support learning as we recognize and commemorate the legacy of residential schools.
Events at a Glance
- Healing Circle - September 27 from 12:15 - 1:15 p.m. at the Gathering Place on the Castlegar Campus
- Understanding Orange Shirt Day - September 28: Drop in between 10 a.m. and noon at the Gathering Place on the Castlegar Campus
- Understanding Orange Shirt Day - September 29: Drop in between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Mary Hall Caferteria on the Tenth Street Campus in Nelson
- Peace Cafe with Film We Were Children - September 29 from 4 to 7:30 p.m. on the Castlegar Campus or watch the film in advance and join online for discussion.
- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - September 30 (Selkirk College campuses and learning centres closed in observance.)
- Indigenous 100 - Starts October 2
Healing Circle
This is a space to offer and receive support from each other, for connection and to learn strategies to bring more balance and groundness in our lives.
This is a confidential space that we can share with each other from a cultural perspective. Indigenous students and intergenerational survivors attending Selkirk College are prioritized.
Facilitated by Leah Lychowyd, counsellor for Indigenous Students at Selkirk College. Contact Leah to register.
September 27 from 12:15 - 1:15 p.m. at the Gathering Place on the Castlegar Campus
Understanding Orange Shirt Day
Honouring residential school survivors and those who did not survive, Orange Shirt Day is an opportunity for the community to come together in the spirit of reconciliation and hope for generations of children to come.
Reflect, learn and build a small craft with Anne-Marie. All students and Selkirk employees are welcome to join.
September 28: Drop in between 10 a.m. and noon at the Gathering Place on the Castlegar Campus
September 29: Drop in between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Mary Hall Caferteria on the Tenth Street Campus in Nelson
Every Child Matters
Orange Shirt Day was inspired by Phyllis Jack Webstad, a Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation elder in Williams Lake, B.C. She wore a bright orange shirt to her first day of residential school in 1973 when she was six-years-old. The shirt was taken from her and since then, the colour orange has reminded her that her feelings didn't matter. Orange Shirt Day was started in Williams Lake in 2013 to commemorate all residential school survivors. Learn more...
Peace Cafe with Film: We Were Children
Join the Mir Centre for Peace and Indigenous Services for a Peace Café featuring a film and discussion. We Were Children is a 2012 Canadian documentary film about the experiences of First Nations children in the Canadian Indian residential school system directed by Tom Wolochatiuk.
We need to hear the truth of our history, understand the legacy of residential schools and honour the children who were taken from their families, many of whom never returned. This is a film about two children who were taken to residential schools. Join to watch and engage in learning discussion.
Everyone is welcome.
- September 29 from 4 to 7:30 p.m. on the Castlegar Campus or watch the film in advance and join online for discussion.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a federal and provincial holiday where everyone in Canada can recognize and commemorate the legacy of residential schools. Selkirk College will be observing this day as a holiday. Learn more...
Everyone is encouraged to use this time to learn more about the history and ongoing legacy of residential schools, and to have important conversations wit their families, friends and communities about how we can collectively bring action to reconciliation with Indigenous people. This may present itself as a day of quiet reflection or participation in a community event.
What is Truth and Reconciliation?
Learn more at the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
Learning Opportunities
Great Teaching @ Selkirk Seminar Series 2021
- Taking place this fall, this seminar is offered weekly for Selkirk College instructors as they strive for the West Coast Teaching Award.
- During the week leading up to Truth and Reconciliation Day, learning will focus on how instructors will demonstrate in the classroom successful implementation of any of the 94 Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
Indigenous 100 Regional Indigenous Perspectives on Languages and Culture
- Join Selkirk College for a five-day intensive introductory course that will introduce students to the histories, languages, values, oral traditions, and literature of the Sinixt (Lakes), Okanagan-Syilx, Ktunaxa and Métis peoples.
- This three-credit university transfer course is open to full and part-time students, as well as community members and organizations.
- This course provides a great opportunity for students and community members to connect to the cultures that have shaped this region.
- Starts October 2 with the first all-day in-person class.
