The Orange Book Project
Cover Image: Javier Esteban
As we contemplate the mass graves currently being dug up, or the ways in which colonization has left its mark on those it has exploited and tried to erase, the importance of pedagogies that confront complicity and address these issues in a critical way seems urgent.
September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada, a day set aside to honour the lost children and the Survivors of the residential school system, their families and communities. The day is also known as Orange Shirt Day, an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day that honours the children who survived Indian Residential Schools and remembers those who did not. The name honours the experience of Phyllis Webstad, a Northern Secwpemc (Shuswap) from the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation as she entered the residential school system. On her first day of school the new orange shirt she had worn was taken away from her, replaced with an article of institutional clothing. The loss of the shirt is now a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations (https://www.orangeshirtday.org/). This day is clearly a time to reflect and mourn. We also think it’s a time to learn.
The Orange Book Project
Many in educational institutions are looking for interdisciplinary ways to address the complexities related to the legacy of colonization, and the harm inflicted on so many Indigenous Nations on this land. Cinema/Communication in collaboration with Resist Violence invites teachers and students to submit journal entries in written, drawn, video, photo or other/combined forms. Below is an entry form where you can submit your work, and we will exhibit it on the page. There are also many examples of assignment frameworks and project ideas available for inspiration. By drawing attention to the resources available within our community, we hope to keep the conversation going.
Rhymes For Young Ghouls
At the Dawson College library, the film Rhymes For Young Ghouls (2013) directed by Dawson alumni Jeff Barnaby is available for streaming. Through this important work we are reminded of the opportunity for awareness building through storytelling. We encourage you to look at, analyze and learn from this film. Please look at Cheryl Simon's detailed handout for more information about the film and the journaling project she and her students will be working on.
The Orange Book
Let's move beyond orange shirt day together
Submit your entry HERE.
Keep the Conversation Going...
Send any image or written file under 500MB. Video links to Youtube or Vimeo preferred. Pics of hand drawn or written work are always welcome. Submitted works will be exhibited on this page. Be sure to share your project description in the message box.