Orange Shirt Day at UBC Okanagan

A message from Lesley Cormack, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Principal, UBC Okanagan

Dear colleagues,

əts ha’ stim iʔ scəcmalaʔ | Every Child Matters

These words are inscribed on the new orange banners you’ll see throughout UBC’s Okanagan campus as we honour and recognize Orange Shirt Day and the first observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30.

When I see these banners, I am struck by the deep significance of the journey that brought us to this point and the incredible leadership and resilience of Indigenous peoples. I think of the profound strength of the Residential School Survivors who shared their experiences as part of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and led to the 94 Calls to Action. We are continuing to learn painful truths, but they are truths that we must face. As we honour the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, it is important that we each take time for dedicated reflection and learning on the tragic history and ongoing legacy of residential schools and to honour Survivors, attendees, families and communities affected.

I encourage you to visit our Orange Shirt Day page to learn more about the history and importance of Orange Shirt Day and what we can do on an individual and institutional level to support truth and reconciliation in our community.

Read the full message