Crossposted from the Department of Local Services LinkedIn

Recently, members of the Department of Local (DLS)  Services Road Services and Director’s Office teams wore orange shirts to collectively honor Orange Shirt Day, a grassroots commemoration of Indigenous children across North America who were taken from their homes to attend residential and boarding schools — many of whom did not return home — beginning in the 1800’s. The commemoration, which centers on the message that “Every Child Matters,” serves as an opportunity to create meaningful discussion about the effects of residential schools and the legacy they have left behind.

The commemoration was organized by Department of Local Services Race, Equity, and Social Justice Program Manager Rita Gray M.Ed., whose grandmother and other family members are boarding school survivors.

For more information about Orange Shirt Day, visit orangeshirtday.org.