Nevada County Holds 3rd Annual Orange Shirt Day to Honor Indigenous Children Impacted by Boarding Schools

A Day of Remembrance and Solidarity

CHIRP and the Nevada City Rancheria Nisenan Tribe are inviting the public to join them in Nevada County for the 3rd Annual Every Child Matters/Orange Shirt Day on September 28th. This commemorative event will stand in solidarity with Indigenous children and families who are still suffering the legacy of Indian boarding schools. These schools separated many children from their families and their native traditions, resulting in a devastating and lasting impact on generations of Indigenous people.

Recognizing a Dark Chapter

The event will bring awareness to the history of residential Indian boarding schools, institutions that were established in the United States and Canada to assimilate Indigenous children into dominant cultures. These schools forced children to abandon their languages, cultures, and traditions, often subjecting them to abuse and neglect. The goal was to eradicate Indigenous cultures and traditions, effectively breaking the cultural connection between Indigenous children and their families and communities.

Legacy of Loss and Trauma

The impacts of these boarding schools are still felt today by Indigenous communities across North America. Many survivors experience ongoing trauma, grief, and loss. They carry the scars of being forcibly separated from their families and cultures, and the experience of being denied their identities.

A Call for Healing and Reconciliation

Orange Shirt Day is a day of remembrance, reflection, and action. It is a day to honor the resilience of Indigenous children and families and to acknowledge the harm caused by these schools. It is also a day to commit to healing and reconciliation.

Symbolic Importance of the Orange Shirt

The orange shirt itself holds powerful symbolism. It was inspired by the story of Phyllis Webstad, a six-year-old First Nations girl who had her new orange shirt taken away on her first day at residential school. The orange shirt became a symbol of the loss of childhood innocence and the stripping away of Indigenous identity. It is now a symbol of hope, healing, and reconciliation.

Nevada County’s Commitment to Commemoration

Nevada County has embraced Orange Shirt Day as an opportunity to educate the community about the history of residential Indian boarding schools and to promote understanding and empathy. The event is a testament to the county's commitment to recognizing the contributions of Indigenous communities and to working towards a more just and equitable future.

Event Highlights

The event will take place on Saturday, September 28th, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Sierra Pines United Methodist Church in Grass Valley. The event will feature:

Speeches by Shelly Covert and other members of the Nevada City Rancheria Nisenan Tribe.
Music and performances by local artists.
Short videos from CHIRP and about Orange Shirt Day.
Age-appropriate stories and coloring activities for children.
Food and refreshments for everyone.
Beading activities and a Nisenan “marble/rock” game.

A Call to Action

The Every Child Matters/Orange Shirt Day event is a call for all community members to stand in solidarity with Indigenous children and families. It is an opportunity to learn about the history of residential Indian boarding schools and to commit to working towards a future where all children have the opportunity to thrive.

Supporting Indigenous Communities

Beyond the event, there are many ways to support Indigenous communities in Nevada County and beyond. One way is to learn more about the history of residential Indian boarding schools and the ongoing legacy of colonization. Another way is to support Indigenous-led organizations and initiatives that are working to address the harms of colonialism and to build a better future for all Indigenous people.

Embracing Hope for the Future

The Every Child Matters/Orange Shirt Day event is a powerful reminder of the importance of truth, healing, and reconciliation. It is a reminder that even in the face of immense challenges, hope and resilience can prevail. It is a reminder that we must all work together to create a future where every child matters.