Friday, 29 September 2017

Orange Shirt Day at Prince Rupert Middle School and Charles Hays Secondary School

Prince Rupert Middle School and Charles Hays Secondary School both held Orange Shirt Day assemblies this week. Both assemblies featured t-shirt giveaways, an acknowledgement of Phyllis Webstad story and a message from honoured guest Charlie Carlick, an ex-student of Lower Post Indian Residential School. Prince Rupert Middle School also participated in a Reconciliation walk at the conclusion of the assembly.

The honoured guest Charlie Carlick shared his personal experience of when he attended Indian Residential School. His story, and message of reconciliation enabled students to hear the truth about Indian Residential Schools and about what Mr. Carlick and others like him were forced to endure as a result to the Canadian government's assimilationist policies.  Mr. Carlick reminded us that the legacy that Indian Residential Schools left behind is a "humanity problem" not an "Indigenous problem". It is the responsibility of all Canadians to know the truth so that we can all walk the path to reconciliation. Mr. Carlick also spoke about his own healing, and how he has come to forgiveness. "I do not forgive what I endured, but I forgive the people," said Mr. Carlick. Orange Shirt Day is about honouring those who have stories like Mr. Carlick, but it is also about taking action whether you are Indigenous or non-Indigenous. As you walk along your own path, please ask yourself what can I do to contribute to reconciliation.




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