Orange Shirt

Orange Shirt Day provides open discussion on residential schools and reconciliation

Sep 30, 2019 | 4:02 PM

September 30 marks Orange Shirt Day across Canada and students and residents of Prince George showed their support across the City for reconciliation.

Nusdeh Yoh Elementary school held a special assembly for their 181 students Monday morning for the annual event.

The assembly was highlighted by Gordwin Barton, a residential school survivor who shared his story.

“I started sharing my story early on in my sobriety. I started off in Elementary schools and then moved on to High Schools and even some colleges and I did presentations with the Vancouver School Board. I speak from the heart. I speak the truth. There are no fabrications and no illusions,” shared Barton.

He has been sharing his experience and story for the past 15 years.

For Principal Liza Arnold and the rest of the staff at the school, Orange Shirt day provides an opportunity to have an open discussion regarding Residential Schools.

“It’s a time for us to talk about reconciliation and for us to come together as a group to work towards making the best future for all students and children and all adults alike who were impacted by residential schools.”

Barton echoed that statement, saying he hopes students take a special message from his presentation.

“You are strong. You are relevant. You are beautiful and you matter and there is nothing you can not accomplish. There is nothing which you can not do as long as you go for it.”

Click here to report an error or typo in this article