The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District is inviting the community to take part in Orange Shirt Day on Friday.

The annual reconciliation event started in 2013. Wearing an orange shirt on September 30th is a way to acknowledge the harm the residential school system did to Indigenous children’s self-esteem and well-being, and affirm a commitment that from now on, every child matters.

The SLRD says that enhancing relationships with aboriginal communities and First Nations was identified last year as a priority for the SLRD, reflected in the SLRD’s 2015-2018 Strategic Directions.

At last weeks Committee of the Whole meeting where staff and SLRD board members wore orange shirts, the board resolved to be a ‘Regional District of Reconciliation’.

SLRD Board Chair Jack Crompton says “It’s time to start the process… This resolution is a statement of intention rather than achievement. We have a long path to walk and we are eager to walk it. At the SLRD we want to nurture resilience and grow into a more respectful, inclusive region that provides opportunities for everyone.”

You can find more information about Orange Shirt Day by visiting OrangeShirtDay.org

Filed under: First Nations, Lillooet, Orange Shirt Day, Squamish