Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg, MB – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) is issuing this release on behalf of and in partnership with numerous Manitoba organizations and groups to recognize and raise awareness of Orange Shirt Day. Together, will be hosting an online event to promote awareness of Orange Shirt Day, residential schools and to honour all students of the residential school experience.

On September 30th, a jointly organized Facebook event will have online mini events posted throughout the day where the organizations will share messages and activities in recognition of Orange Shirt Day. There will also be artwork and songs dedicated to students of residential schools. The group invites all Manitobans to participate on the Facebook Event sharing photos of themselves wearing their orange shirts and posts to honour all those who went to residential schools.

The organizations would also like to acknowledge all students and schools across Manitoba who are participating in Orange Shirt Day. They are invited to post their pictures and post to the event page. Student’s artwork from Children of the Earth, Niji Makwa, Morrison School and École Belmont will be posted on the Orange Shirt Day in Manitoba event page.

QUOTES:

“Orange Shirt Day is an important opportunity for us all to learn about the historical wrongs and generational impacts of the residential school experience. It is an opportunity for us to honour and recognize all of the children who went to residential school, their lives and their worth. We want also support and nurture the healing of students and families. We cannot come together in-person however we are still coming together online. We invite everyone in Manitoba to join us to participate, wear an orange shirt and recognize Orange Shirt Day with us.”

-Grand Chief Arlen Dumas, Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs

We Are Strong! We Are Survivors!

“Even with all the trauma we received, with the support of the AHWC IRS program we are healing.  We do have a long way to go but we are moving forward.”

–Della Herrera, Executive Director, Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre of Winnipeg, Inc.

“Draw The Line, End Oppression.”
–Rose Jazmin, Executive Director, The Line

“On September 30th, we at the Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre recognize and honour Survivors of the Indian Residential Schools. As Survivors, family members, and community members, we take this day to remember those who did not survive, recognize the healing still taking place, and educate Canadians about these historical injustices.”

–Charles Cochrane, Executive Director, Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre (MFNERC)

“For a time where so much was taken away, we stand on September 30th to show our resilience and honor the survivors and their families. Stand with us!”

#ourhealingourways

–Melanie Kennedy, Executive Director, Indigenous Languages of Manitoba Inc.

“Orange Shirt Day honours the children that were sent to residential schools. New Directions recognizes and respects that Orange Shirt Day is a tribute to the resiliency of Indigenous peoples and honours survivors and those who never made it back home.”

–Dr. Jennifer Frain, CEO, New Directions

–Darlene Daniels, Senior Director of Culture, Training and Education Services, New Directions

Participating organizations, groups and people include: Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre, AMIK Corporation, Anish Corporation, Assembly of First Nations – MB Region, The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, Indigenous Languages Manitoba, Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre, Manitoba NDP Caucus, Mary Jane McCallum, Senator representing Manitoba, Take Pride Winnipeg, Righting Relations – MB Chapter, Southeast Resource Development Corp. (SERDC), The Line and Wa-Say Healing Centre.

Links:

Orange Shirt Day: https://www.orangeshirtday.org/

Event Page can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/events/985844641918433/?active_tab=discussion