Orange Shirt Day, began with the story of a young girl, her new orange shirt, and the beginning of her life in St. Joseph Mission school in Williams Lake BC. Phyllis Jack, on her first day of school, arrived in a brand-new orange shirt. She was stripped and the shirt was taken from her. For her, the colour orange has always reminded her of how she and her classmates were treated while at school. http://www.orangeshirtday.org/phyllis-story.html
Phyllis' truth is one that is echoed throughout Canada. It is a catalyst that reminds us all of what happened to over 150 000 First Nations children in Canada for over a hundred years, including here in North Vancouver. Their culture was taken away from them. They were not allowed to speak their own language, take part in any First Nations ceremonies, activities or cultural events.
Our school sits on the unceded territory of the Skwxú7mesh (Squamish) and Tsleil-Waututh peoples. Eastview is proud to embed Aboriginal Worldviews along with the First Peoples Principles of Learning into our daily teachings. We honour First Nations culture and traditions as we recognize the positive impact it has for all of our students.
Wearing orange on Orange Shirt Day (Oct 2nd) shows your support and respect for First Nations Culture. It will continue to enforce the message that "Every Child Matters" while we honour the survivors and intergenerational survivors of the Indian Residential School System.
Some resources for everyone:
Picture Books:
- Stolen Words by Melanie Florence (2017)
- I am not a Number by Jenny Kay Dupis and Kathy Kacer (2016)
- When we were alone by David Alexander Robertson (2016)
- Shi–Shi-Etko by Nicole L. Campbell
- Shin chi's Canoe by Nicole L. Campbell
- When I was eight by Christy Jordan Fenton and Margaret Pokiak Fenton
Novels:
- Fatty Legs by Christy Jordan Fenton and Margaret Pokiak Fenton
- Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese
Resource Books:
