CCVS Recognizes Orange Shirt Day

The entire Cornwall Collegiate Vocational School took part in Orange Shirt Day on Friday, September 29, 2017. The event was such a success due to the hard work of Tahniah Cook-Square, a twelfth grade student from Akwesasne. Tahniah spread the word using posters to raise awareness. She said, "A lot of people didn't really know about Orange Shirt Day and now they know what the orange shirt represents."

Tahniah is the daughter of Hank Cook and Jaimee Square. CCVS also had Ariana Roundpoint recite the Ohenton Karihwatehkwen on Friday.

ICYMI: Orange Shirt Day: Every Child Matters

The annual Orange Shirt Day on September 30th opens the door to global conversation on all aspects of Residential Schools. It is an opportunity to create meaningful discussion about the effects of Residential Schools and the legacy they have left behind. A discussion all Canadians can tune into and create bridges with each other for reconciliation. A day for survivors to be reaffirmed that they matter, and so do those that have been affected. Every Child Matters, even if they are an adult, from now on.

The date was chosen because it is the time of year in which children were taken from their homes to residential schools, and because it is an opportunity to set the stage for anti-racism and anti-bullying policies for the coming school year. It is an opportunity for First Nations, local governments, schools and communities to come together in the spirit of reconciliation and hope for generations of children to come.