Posted on 2026-09-28 20:47:34.828 +0000 UTC
Tomorrow High Prairie School Division will wear orange in honour of the Survivors of Canadaโs residential schools and the thousands of children whose lives were tragically taken, who never came home.
Originating in 2013, Orange Shirt Day was inspired by the personal childhood experience of Phyllis Webstad, a woman of mixed Secwรฉpemc (suh-WEP-muhk )and Irish/French heritage who was born in Dog Creek, B.C. This day was created as an opportunity to discuss the effects of residential schools and their legacy. It honours the experiences of Indigenous Peoples, celebrates resilience, and affirms the commitment that every child matters.
In June 2021, the Government of Canada passed Bill C-5, establishing September 30 as a federal statutory holiday known as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
It is important to remember that although the last residential school in Canada closed in 1996, the effects of the residential school system did not end with its closure. Its legacy continues to reverberate through generations, affecting language and identity, family and cultural bonds, traditional teachings, and mental and physical health and well-being. These impacts continue to be felt by families and communities in our immediate area, throughout our province, and across the country.
Five residential schools in our region boarded hundreds of children who were, in many cases, forcibly removed from their families and communities:
โข ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฎ๐๐ซ๐ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ข๐๐๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐ก๐จ๐จ๐ฅ (St. Bernardโs), operated by Roman Catholic missionaries (1894-1957),
โข ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฌ๐๐ซ๐ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ข๐๐๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐ก๐จ๐จ๐ฅ St. Brunoโs, operated by Roman Catholic missionaries (1913-1969),
โข ๐๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐๐ซ ๐๐ฅ๐๐ฏ๐ ๐๐๐ค๐ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ข๐๐๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐ก๐จ๐จ๐ฅ (St. Peterโs), operated by Anglican missionaries (1895-1932),
โข ๐๐๐๐๐ฌ๐๐ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ข๐๐๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐ก๐จ๐จ๐ฅ (St. Johnโs), operated by Anglican missionaries (1902-1966),
โข ๐๐๐ฌ๐ฆ๐๐ซ๐๐ข๐ฌ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ข๐๐๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐ก๐จ๐จ๐ฅ (St. Martinโs), operated by Roman Catholic missionaries Alberta (1901-1973).
This time can be especially difficult and distressing for many community members. As we reflect on this history and its ongoing impacts, may we do so with respect, understanding and consideration for the experiences of others.
The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line provides free, 24-hour crisis support to former residential school Survivors and their families at 1-866-925-4419.
For more information on Canadaโs residential schools, visit the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation at https://nctr.ca/