Lt.-Gov. Russ Mirasty spoke to kids at École Holy Cross Monday morning. (Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

Orange Shirt Day 2019

P.A. schools host Orange Shirt Day

Sep 30, 2019 | 4:28 PM

Today is Orange Shirt Day across Canada.

The occasion is one where people are invited to where orange shirts to remember the history of Canada’s residential school system. The wearing of orange shirts is traced back to the story of Phyllis Webstad, who when she was taken to residential school in B.C. had all of her belongings taken from her, including her orange shirt.

The overall theme of the day is that Every Child Matters and also to acknowledge the harm the schools caused.

Monday morning at École Holy Cross, Lt.-Gov. Russ Mirasty attended a special assembly at the school.

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“I think by having people come together and recognize that, through this, the orange shirts, really highlights what it means to Canada really, but also to the people that were part of that system,” he said.

Mirasty attended residential school in Prince Albert and said he still remembers what it was like to be sent away from his home community. He added there are still many people who are struggling with their experiences and remembering the past is crucial.

“It is important for us to remember those experiences, good or bad and make sure that we move forward from that in a positive way,” he said.

While talking to the students at Holy Cross, which is the school where two of Mirasty’s grandchildren attend, he also spoke about his role as lieutenant-governor and what the job entails.

Ceremonies were also held at John Diefenbaker Public School. For this event a number of guests were on hand to help the school mark the occasion. They included the incumbent MP for Prince Albert Randy Hoback and P.A. Northcote MLA Nicole Rancourt along with members of the local police.

Another guest was Richard Ahenakew, general manager of the Northern Lights Casino. Ahenakew, who is an alumni of Diefenbaker school himself spoke about how his parents were survivors of the country’s residential school system.

“I know the stories that they have and how heartbreaking they can be,” he said.

Ahenakew took the time to offer advice to the students and encouraged them to be welcoming to others. He said an important lesson is to speak up if they see wrongdoing.

“The way to help the world heal from what happened then is for each and every one of you to look after each other to be friends. If something wrong is being done to someone else, to tell somebody else, to make sure those things are never kept quiet again,” he said.

The lieutenant-govenor and his wife were presented with some gifts after the ceremonies (Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

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MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn