On Sunday a walk and gathering was held to commemorate Orange Shirt Day in Yorkton.

After a walk there was a barbecue and ceremony. Treaty Commissioner of Saskatchewan, Mary Culbertson, gave opening comments.  We sat down with her to ask about the day.

What was it like seeing all the orange shirts?
It was an emotional day for me since I grew up in the area and I was fortunate enough to walk with people from my own First Nation and relatives who are survivors. Motorists drove by honking and waving to show support and community members came out to share a meal together. 

Why is orange shirt day important to you?
Orange Shirt Day celebrates resilience. It honours those children who never made it home from residential schools and those who have survived. Phyllis’s story about her orange shirt turned into a movement, a movement that is growing and bringing people together.

Anything else?
Thank you to the Yorkton Tribal Council for putting this day together and to the survivors who shared their stories, Ross Cadotte who attended St. Philips Residential School, Selena Brittain who attended Marieval Residential School and Evelyn Burns who attended Gordons Indian Residential School.