Today we remember the thousands of Indigenous children who were often forcibly removed from their homes to attend residential schools. Many died, many of those lying in unmarked graves.
In 1960 6-year old Phyllis Webstad, who lived with her grandmother on a reserve in the middle of B.C., was looking forward to going off to school.. Her grandmother had found enough pennies to buy her a bright orange shirt for her first day. She went off to school happily - until she arrived. All her clothes were stripped off and taken away to be burned; all the students were scrubbed and de-liced. She never saw her orange shirt again.
It's hard to believe this happened in 1960. I was already 12 years old and in grade 7! What a long time it has taken us to abandon colonialism; many remnants hang on today. For Phyllis there was a complete disconnect from her culture, from the love of her family, and a feeling of worthlessness. This was indoctrination, not education!
Our grandson in Vancouver has the Orange Shirt Day holiday, and is so aware of the reason behind this. What courage Phyllis had, and I recognise this day down here.
ReplyDeletePhyllis was a brave lady.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad she was able to share her story and make an indelible mark in history as well.
ReplyDeleteA movement was started and I hope it keeps on being positive.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately the U.S. did the same thing to Native American children -- but we have not yet even begun to acknowledge the harm that caused. Will we? not the way things are now.
ReplyDeleteBeing in Grade 6 at that time it held no meaning to me, but in later years I met many survivors of the Residential Schooling. I was in awe to hear how some were Whipped for speaking in their Native Tongues. Those schools were run by the Catholic Church. A true injustice to life.
ReplyDeleteIt's about time.