The Reach Gallery Museum has launched a limited-edition orange shirt in support of Fraser Valley residential school Survivors. Designed by acclaimed Stó:lō artist Xémontélót Carrielynn Victor, the shirt features the Halq’eméylem phrase “éy kws hákw’eleschet ye stá:xwelh” which translates to “we remember our children.” The design honours the children who attended Fraser Valley residential schools, including St. Mary’s Residential School which operated in Mission BC from 1861-1984 on what is now the site of Mission’s Fraser River Heritage Park.
This summer The Stó:lō Nation started an investigation to locate unmarked graves of Indigenous children who died at Fraser Valley residential schools, beginning with St. Mary’s Residential School. The investigation will use ground penetrating radar, archival research, and oral history and is estimated to take approximately three years to complete. Survivors and others involved in this work will provide direction for the use of the funds raised through the sale of orange shirts.
The practice of wearing an orange shirt on September 30 began in 2013 as a way to acknowledge the dark history and ongoing legacy of Canada’s residential school system. September 30 is now the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day to honour the Survivors and Intergenerational Survivors of the residential school system, and to remember those who didn’t return home.
At this critical moment in our communities’ history, show your support for those most directly impacted by local residential schools. Starting on Tuesday September 20th, shirts can be purchased for $35 at The Reach Gallery Museum and will be available while supplies last.