Last Friday, September 30th, Reeves College staff, students, and community came together to honour the survivors and victims of residential schools and dress for Orange Shirt Day. This year, our students and alumni participated in designing orange shirts for our campuses. Alumnus Bret A. designed the shirt that Reeves selected for this year’s shirt. The orange shirts were sold at all of our campuses with a minimum donation of $5. All proceeds from the t-shirt purchases were donated to support residential school survivors.
As of this year, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation coincides with Orange Shirt Day, and is recognized as a federal holiday in Canada. Learn more about Orange Shirt Day here.
We asked Leslie C., an Addictions and Community Services Worker instructor at Reeves College, why she cares about Orange Shirt Day, and these were her thoughts.
"As community service workers, it is imperative that we acknowledge and remember the historical trauma of residential schools. Orange Shirt Day represents our commitment never to forget the suffering and loss of Indigenous people and our dedication to promote inclusion and reconciliation for future generations."
Across our eight campus locations, Reeves College proudly participated in sharing support, compassion, and acceptance with friends, colleagues, and students. We’d like to thank everyone who helped make this day possible and we hope we can continue to grow as we support truth and reconciliation with Indigenous communities.