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Photos: 500 SD27 students learn about truth and reconciliation

Students from across School District 27 visited the Chief William Arbor to learn first hand about truth and reconciliation.

The sun was out and the birds were singing Friday, Sept. 27 at the 11th annual Orange Shirt Society (OSS) 2024 Every Child Matters gathering in Williams Lake. 

About 500 students from District 27 listened and chattered away as they learned about truth and reconciliation. The audience heard from residential school survivors Tl'etinqox First Nation member Grant Alphonse and Esk'etemc Chief Fred Robbins, and danced along to drum songs performed by the Signal Point Drummers. 

This year's event was held at the Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN) arbour with Mike Retasket and Sunrise When the Salmon Come (Cheryl Chapman) as co-masters of ceremonies. "What a beautiful sea of orange," Chapman said as she welcomed students, teachers and parents. 

While welcoming students to the event WLFN Chief Willie Sellars told students about the Secwépemc Nation and the land on which he said "we are gathering in a good way here today." Mayor Surinderpal Rathor also spoke at the event, and Tsilhqot’in singer Rebecca Solomon performed a few songs. 

After the event students were invited by the OSS to make stamps and drop tobacco ties into a sacred fire as an offering to Mother Nature. Archie Chantyman, who is walking about 300 kilometres to create awareness about reconciliation and healing for those affected by residential schools, was also at the event. 

 



Andie Mollins, Local Journalism Initiative

About the Author: Andie Mollins, Local Journalism Initiative

Born and raised in Southeast N.B., I spent my childhood building snow forts at my cousins' and sandcastles at the beach.
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