Mr. PG wears orange

“It’s been a long time coming,” Logan said.

She believes seeing a landmark as prominent as Mr. PG wearing orange sends a strong message to Indigenous youth and the wider community.

“This is just going to show that the rest of Prince George hey we’re here and be proud of who we are for our First Nations kids.”

The orange shirt movement began to honour Residential School Survivors and remember the children who never returned home. Logan said understanding that history has become increasingly important as Canadians continue to confront the legacy of the residential school system.

“Since the 215 were discovered in the orchard, they have got truth and reconciliation, a name for calls to action. To me, it was a 215 kids that didn’t make it home. They gave us all a voice and we’re drawing from their power to be able to stand up and be proud of who we are.”

She added that discussions around residential schools were once considered taboo in many families and communities, but younger generations are now learning more about Indigenous history through schools and public education efforts.

For James Lambert, coordinator of the Prince George Urban Indigenous Coalition, the location of the display makes the message impossible to miss.

Mr. PG has greeted residents and visitors at the intersection of Highways 16 and 97 for decades, making it one of the city’s most visible and recognizable landmarks.

Lambert said the idea came from a simple realization.

“I drive by him all the time and I thought to myself what a neat idea to have the orange t shirt placed upon Mr. PGA. It symbolizes every child matters.”

He hopes motorists passing the landmark will see it as more than just a shirt.

“I’m hoping today that when they drive by, they can see that progress is being made. We’re not in the same situation as we have been for many generations but we’ve got a long way to go, and we have a lot of education, a lot of opportunity to really understand the history and be truthful about the history.”

While the shirt itself may be temporary, both leaders say the conversations it sparks are part of a larger effort toward meaningful reconciliation.

Logan described reconciliation as a shared journey that continues to evolve.

“We’re all in this together. Like I tell everybody, let’s let’s work through this together.”

For Lambert, that journey ultimately comes back to future generations.

“We need to come to terms with this in terms of acceptance and to move ahead in a positive way. And again, we’re going back to the kids. Every child matters.”

The unveiling serves as a lead-in to Prince George’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation gathering on September 30 at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park, where residents will take part in a reconciliation walk, cultural performances, learning opportunities and ceremonies focused on reflection, healing and hope.

As vehicles continue streaming past the city’s iconic mascot, organizers hope the orange shirt will remind people that reconciliation is not just a word, but an ongoing commitment to remembering the past while building a better future.

by Nick Dube

Mr. PG wears orange

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