ORANGE SHIRT DAY ORIGINS - Phyllis’ Story

I went to the Mission for one school year in 1973/1974. I had just turned 6 years old. I lived with my grandmother on the Dog Creek reserve. We never had very much money, but somehow my granny managed to buy me a new outfit to go to the Mission school. I remember going to Robinson’s store and picking out a shiny orange shirt. It had string laced up in front, and was so bright and exciting – just like I felt to be going to school!

When I got to the Mission, they stripped me, and took away my clothes, including the orange shirt! I never wore it again. I didn’t understand why they wouldn’t give it back to me, it was mine! The color orange has always reminded me of that and how my feelings didn’t matter, how no one cared and how I felt like I was worth nothing. All of us little children were crying and no one cared.

I was 13 years old and in grade 8 when my son Jeremy was born. Because my grandmother and mother both attended residential school for 10 years each, I never knew what a parent was supposed to be like. With the help of my aunt, Agness Jack, I was able to raise my son and have him know me as his mother.

I went to a treatment centre for healing when I was 27 and have been on this healing journey since then. I finally get it, that the feeling of worthlessness and insignificance, ingrained in me from my first day at the mission, affected the way I lived my life for many years. Even now, when I know nothing could be further than the truth, I still sometimes feel that I don’t matter. Even with all the work I’ve done!

I am honored to be able to tell my story so that others may benefit and understand, and maybe other survivors will feel comfortable enough to share their stories.

SFBLC T-SHRITS ON SALE

There are a limited number of t shirts available for the public to purchase; the cost of the t-shirt is $45.00.  If you would like to purchase a t-shirt, please call 306 664 6565 to check with Lindsay for availability.  

100% of the proceeds will be offered to the Saskatoon Survivor’s Circle in honour of their experiences, knowledge, and courage. It's important to support Saskatoon Indian Residential School Survivors Circle as they connect with one another to maintain a sense of community. Elders in the Survivors Circle often help guide others with limited resources. Because they don’t have a permanent home base to meet, there are often extra costs that are incurred in navigating their meetings. Needs like transportation, gas, and public transportation costs can be a barrier. Also, there are cultural Protocols, Ceremonies and Teachings that are required to do the work needed with certain tools. Nutritional snacks and fruit and other healthy options, water, and foods that are diabetic friendly are important for sustenance. Stationery items are also needed to assist in their meetings. The Survivors extend their time and energy to be of service within our city and have often been witnesses to healing, bridging communities and organizations without any means of support.  Honoring the Saskatoon Survivor’s Circle is an act of Reconciliation for all they do for the community. 

ABOUT THE ARTIST - Dion Bear
”Big Island Lake Cree Nation”

Artist Dion Bear was chosen to create this powerful image for Orange T Shirt Day, which has been renamed National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The SFBLC expresses our gratitude to Elders Evelyn Linklater and Florence Highway for their guidance on the designs of the artwork, and we thank the artist Dion Bear, for his beautiful representation of children united: ”I'm Dion B, and I absolutely love messing around with graphic design. Right now, I'm all about creating stickers and doing up graphics for clothing. In graphic design, I get to play with pictures and stuff to express myself and connect with people. My ideas usually come from everyday life and what's happening around me. What I'm aiming for is to make nice, relatable visuals that make you feel something. So, if you want to tag along on my creative journey and see how art can be a part of our everyday, you're totally welcome! Thanks for being a part of it. Dion B"