The Revelstoke Truth and Reconciliation Group is inviting community members to come together to mark Truth and Reconciliation Day on Sept. 30. 

Truth and Reconciliation Day is also known as Orange Shirt Day. Orange shirts have become one of the symbols of the day in recognition of Phyllis Webstad's story which she shared at a St. Joseph Mission Residential School Commemoration Project and Reunion event in Williams Lake, B.C.

When Webstad first attended residential school, her clothes were taken, and of those clothes, she recalled an orange shirt her grandmother had bought her that was never returned. This story and shirt came to symbolize the attempt to strip Indigenous of their identity. 

The grass-led Indigenous movement to recognize Survivors of residential schools has since become a statutory holiday in many parts of Canada. In 2023, British Columbia joined Prince Edward Island, the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and the Yukon in recognizing the 30th as a statutory holiday.

The event in Revelstoke will begin at 11:30 a.m. where folks are asked to meet at the Revelstoke Credit Union back parking lot on 110 Second Street West. The walk will begin at 12 p.m., heading down the alley, towards First Street, and ending at the Worker's Memorial in Centennial Park. 

At 1 p.m., there will a gathering with a potluck and food provided by the Neighbourhood Kitchen. Attendees are encouraged to bring beverages, chairs, and a picnic blanket. 

The day will end with a drum circle at 2:15 p.m. which will be led by a member of the Indigenous community. Attendees are invited to bring a drum if they would like.

Anyone interested in volunteering can sign up