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.
(Donovan Maess/CTV News)
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.
Over 200 signs and flags have been placed in Victoria Park to raise awareness for the National Day of Truth & Reconciliation on Friday. (Donovan Maess/CTV News)
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.
A crosswalk at the corner of 5th Ave. and Retallack Street is painted orange with the phrase "Every Child Matters." (Donovan Maess/CTV News)
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
Widow looking for answers after Quebec man dies in Texas Ironman competition
The widow of a Quebec man who died competing in an Ironman competition is looking for answers.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
World seeing near breakdown of international law amid wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Amnesty says
The world is seeing a near breakdown of international law amid flagrant rule-breaking in Gaza and Ukraine, multiplying armed conflicts, the rise of authoritarianism and huge rights violations in Sudan, Ethiopia and Myanmar, Amnesty International warned Wednesday as it published its annual report.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Amid concerns over 'collateral damage' Trudeau, Freeland defend capital gains tax change
Facing pushback from physicians and businesspeople over the coming increase to the capital gains inclusion rate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his deputy Chrystia Freeland are standing by their plan to target Canada's highest earners.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order
People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.
U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with big bipartisan vote
The U.S. Senate has passed US$95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.