Three speakers to present during Orange Shirt Day tomorrow

Sep 29, 2018 | 6:00 AM

The Third Annual Orange Shirt Day is taking place tomorrow in Grande Prairie.

Three local speakers will give presentations at Centre 2000.

Regional Manager for Aboriginal Services at Northwest Community and Social Services, Michelle Grant says the event plays a significant role for the community.

“It grew out of Phyllis [Webstad’s] story of having her shiny, new orange shirt taking away from her on her first of residential school. But, it has become an opportunity to keep the discussion on all aspects of residential school happening every year.”

Grant adds this is the second year there will be guest speakers at the event to go along with its past, present, and future theme.

“So, we have three wonderful speakers who are going to share some of their personal experiences of the impact of residential schools, healing, and reconciliation. For our past, we have Hazel Robinson, for our present we have Len Morisette, and for our future we have Bridgette Benning.”

Grant adds the event is an opportunity for first nations, local governments, schools and communities to come together in the spirit of reconciliation and hope for future generations.

Everyone is welcome to attend. Orange Shirt Day will also include several activities such as a hot dog lunch, bouncy castles, and trivia games with prizes.

Orange Shirt Day will go from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

by Brady Ratzlaff