On Thursday, September 26, members of the George Brown College community gathered on the St. James Campus patio to listen, learn and reflect ahead of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Orange Shirt Day).
The incredible All Nations Juniors drum group — comprised of youth from many different Nations, including Dakota, Anishinaabe, Chippewa, Cree, and Haudenosaunee — provided the soundtrack for the afternoon. Speakers included Kevin Myran (Coordinator for the Little Embers program for the Toronto Fire Council Native Cultural Centre), Julie Debassige (George Brown’s Visiting Elder), Cara McArthur (Operations Coordinator, Indigenous Initiatives), and Leslie Quinlan (SVP, People Enablement & Experience). Thunder Jack and Suzy Smoke showcased both traditional and modern dances.
The gathering also gave speakers — and attendees — an opportunity to mourn the loss of George Brown College’s Guiding Elder Pauline Shirt.
“Many students affectionately called her ‘grandma,’” said Quinlan. She was a guiding light and will forever be a part of the George Brown community. Her spirit lives on.”
McArthur noted that Elder Pauline Shirt had been involved with GBC for over twenty years and had been making waves in Indigenous education well before that.
“She started the Indigenous Student Centre here at George Brown College,” said McArthur. “And she was here for over 20 years. In 1974 Pauline and her husband led the Native Peoples Caravan to deliver a manifesto to the government on the treatment of indigenous people in Canada. Two years later, they founded the Wandering Spirit School, which was later called the First Nations School.”
The gathering ended as it had began; the powerful drumbeats from the All Nations Juniors were carried in the wind across King Street, filling the community with song. We hope all members of GBC can show their solidarity on September 30 by wearing an orange shirt, and by taking the opportunity to learn about, and reflect on, the legacy of residential schools and how we can commit to ongoing reconciliation — both as a college and as individuals.
What is Orange Shirt Day?
Orange Shirt Day is a day of reflection, education, and remembrance dedicated to acknowledging the experiences of Indigenous children who were taken from their families and placed in residential schools. This commemorative day is inspired by the story of residential school Survivor Phyllis Webstad — who was 6 years old when her bright orange shirt was taken from her on her first day of residential school. To honour the children who survived Indian Residential Schools and remember those who did not, Canadians across our country wear an orange shirt.
