Orange Shirt Day: Grandview Park

Today I attended the Orange Shirt Day gathering at Grandview Park for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The gathering brought Survivors, Elders, families and community members together for an Honour Walk, cultural and contemporary performances, an Indigenous market, and time to reflect and remember.

I was grateful to be there and to listen. Today is about remembering the children who never came home, honouring Survivors and their families, and recognizing the lasting impacts of the residential school system.

Reconciliation has to begin with truth, and with making the time to hear from the people and communities who lived that history and continue to carry its effects today.

Thank you to the Indian Residential School Survivor Society, Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre, Vancouver Aboriginal Community Policing Centre, Britannia Community Services, and everyone who helped organize and take part in today’s gathering.