Orange Shirt Day events at SFU

At six, Phyllis Webstad was sent to residential school wearing an orange shirt her grandmother had given her. The shirt was taken away and she was assigned a number, causing a her a loss of self-worth and identity.

Orange Shirt Day, on Sept. 30, is a national campaign that aims to educate people and promote awareness about the Indian residential school system in Canada and the impact this system had on Indigenous communities. Students and staff are encouraged to wear an orange shirt. See the listings below for Orange Shirt Day events at SFU.

Here's Phyllis' story:

ORANGE SHIRT DAY EVENTS AT SFU

Sept. 25-26, Burnaby campus

Head to Convocation Mall on Sept. 25-26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a drop-in Orange Shirt Day reflection activity. Learn about Orange Shirt Day, add your message to the orange shirt clothesline and pick up an Indigenous Students matter button.

Sept. 26, Surrey campus

Meet at the SFU Surrey Mezzanine at 11:15 a.m. and then join in the march to City Hall at 11:45 a.m. The annual Orange Shirt Day ceremony starts at noon at Surrey City Hall. Bannock and refreshments will follow.

Sept. 30, Vancouver campus

Join SFU Continuing Studies at SFU’s Vancouver campus and wear orange to show your support. From noon to 1:30 p.m., a special event will be held at the Teck Gallery. We’ll be serving coffee, tea and bannock. More info.

Sept. 30, Burnaby campus

If you are at SFU’s Burnaby campus, please join us for a formal event in the Saywell Hall Atrium from 12:30-1:45 p.m., including drumming, song sharing and food/refreshments. For more info, contact: askoap@sfu.ca or 778-782-9026.