Last Friday, September 30th, Vancouver Career College staff, students, and community came together to honour the survivors and victims of residential schools by dressing for Orange Shirt Day. This year, our students and alumni participated in designing orange shirts for our campuses. Alumnus Bret A. designed the shirt that we selected for this year’s shirt. The orange shirts were sold at all of our campuses with a minimum donation of $5. All proceeds from the t-shirt purchases were donated to support residential school survivors.
As of this year, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation coincides with Orange Shirt Day, and is recognized as a federal holiday in Canada. Learn more about Orange Shirt Day here.
We had the privilege of hearing from Practical Nursing student Jeff A., who told us about his experience as a second-generation survivor. Below is his powerful testimonial.
“Throughout my lifetime, both of my parents would apologize for what they did not know. As my mother said, ‘We had no idea on what parenting was because we never had that experience growing up.’ Teaching us our language, culture, and way of life was a struggle for them at first, but eventually, our family learned together.”
Across our five campus locations, Vancouver Career College proudly participated in sharing support, compassion, and acceptance with friends, colleagues, and classmates. Thanks to everyone who helped make this day possible. We hope we can continue to grow together while supporting truth and reconciliation with Indigenous communities.