Here's where you can buy orange shirts in Regina ahead of the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation
With the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Friday, some local businesses are making sure the public has every opportunity to support charities and organizations in the city.
Regina/Treaty Status Indian Services (RTSIS) sold orange shirts at the Gathering Place Wednesday. The money raised went towards funding its programs and services for the community.
RTSIS believes wearing an orange shirt on Friday is not an insignificant act.
“It’s symbolic,” said Tanya Ritchotte. “It’s about all of our roles in reconciliation and acknowledging the truth and horrible legacy of residential school and the impacts we see even today.”
While shirts may be available at larger stores, Ritchotte said its best to directly support local indigenous organization.
“The money goes directly into our community,” she said. “A big box store won’t donate its profits back to the community in the same way a local organization would.”
At Victoria Park, over 200 ‘Every Child Matters’ signs and flags were placed to raise awareness for the day. The Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Network (EDIN) said the signs and flags are free for anyone to take and put onto their own lawns.
Reconciliation Regina executive director Kristin Francis believes the day is meant for education and reflection.
“It’s important on the day of for people to take the time and reflect on why we are commemorating that day and why it’s so important to us,” she said. “Whether that’s going on the internet and reading about residential schools or learning about indigenous history and what led to today’s situation.”
EDIN also painted a crosswalk at the corner of 5th Avenue and Retallick Street orange with the phrase ‘Every Child Matters’ on the street.
Cowessess First Nation had orange shirts for sale at various locations around the city.
Other businesses around Regia have also started campaigns to raise awareness and funds for various Indigenous organizations.
Fresh and Sweet baked orange shirt cookies with proceeds raised going to the Orange Shirt Society.
The Mackenzie Art Gallery has special ‘Every Child Matters’ tee-shirts for sale. The proceeds will be donated to All Nations Hope and to the Trent University Aboriginal Cultural Science and Knowledge program.
Richotte added she has seen Orange Shirt Day explode on the national level.
“Before it was a handful of participants in Indigenous communities, now it’s all of Canada,” she said.
She said everyone should get involved in any way they can and to ask questions.
“Find an elder, find someone who will share knowledge with you. There are no dumb questions. Start where you are,” she said.
For a full list of events going on in and around Regina for the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, click here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Asking rent prices up 9.3% across Canada, Ontario sees only decline: report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.
WATCH Expecting an interest rate cut in June? Don't bet on it after new jobs data
Canada's labour market rebounded in April, adding more than 90,000 jobs, a staggering number of new positions after four consecutive months of little change.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
Prince William says wife Kate is 'doing well'
Prince William said on Friday his wife Kate was 'doing well' in a rare public comment about the Princess of Wales as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy for cancer.
'Irate male' assaulted Newfoundland officers with block of cheese, police say
Police in Newfoundland say patrol officers were assaulted Thursday by a "very irate male" wielding a block of cheese.