The city of Williams Lake officially unveiled the new Every Child Matters crosswalk on Sept. 11 in the city’s downtown.
Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN) Chief Willie Sellars said projects like this one help to normalize conversations about Canada’s history and its legacy.
“You need to tell the truth before you’re able to heal, and it’s beacons like this that allow us to have those conversations in a good way, and inspire those individuals to tell their truth,” he said.
The grand opening began with a drum song, a lullaby for children who recently returned to school and for their caretakers. Chief Sellars then expressed his gratitude to those involved in setting up the crosswalk.
“Together we will paint Canada orange,” said Sara Fulton on behalf of Shannon Henderson, president of the Orange Shirt Society (OSS). She said the painted crosswalk was more than art: “but a symbol of our collective commitment to unity, safety and meaningful conversation.”
The OSS is one of five agencies that was involved in the project.
Williams Lake Mayor Surinderpal Rathor was at the event and invited the audience of about 50 to reflect on the meaning of the words “Every Child Matters.” He also talked about the plan to open a memorial park across the street from the walkway: “once that corner is completed, I think this is going to be the most beautiful intersection in the city.” The mayor was referring to the space next to Paradise Cinemas, where a park will be built to commemorate WLFN’s village claim win and the history of the Nation’s territory and people.
With inspiration from last year’s Orange Shirt Day design, the crosswalk was installed in August at the intersection of Yorston Street and Third Avenue. This year marks the 11th anniversary of Orange Shirt Day which began in Williams Lake after Phyllis Webstad spoke about her experience at residential school. At the age of six, Webstad attended St. Joseph Mission Residential School and had her brand-new orange shirt taken from her. The OSS was created two years later to help the country on the journey towards awareness and reconciliation.
