Next Monday, September 30 will be the fourth National Truth and Reconciliation Day, also known as Orange Shirt Day, an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day intended to raise awareness of the inter-generational impacts of residential schools, and to promote the concept of “Every Child Matters.” SCACL invite you to wear orange on Monday and join shíshálh Nation and our community to recognize, honour, and support survivors of residential schools, and commemorate the children that attended the Sechelt Residential School. The day will begin with a commemoration ceremony at 11 am to honour and remember survivors of the Sechelt Residential School. Drumming and singing, speakers, moment of silence and cultural ceremony will take place. This will be followed by a Walk for Reconciliation at around 12:30 pm. There will also be a special exhibit at the tems swiya Museum recognizing Orange Shirt Day.
As a local organization that supports individuals with developmental disabilities, SCACL recognizes and acknowledges that intersections of race and disability bring with them multiple marginalization. We are in the process to develop a Statement on Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging this fall to outline our commitment to create equitable and culturally safe spaces for our workforce and all who access our services.
What is cultural safety?
Cultural Safety is an outcome of respectful engagement based on recognition of the power imbalances inherent in government and other systems, and the work to address these imbalances. A culturally safe environment for Indigenous peoples is one that is physically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually safe without challenge, ignorance, or denial of an individual’s identity.
You are invited to review this 10-minute CLBC’s Cultural Safety Principles Training Video in preparation for Orange Shirt Day.