UXBRIDGE: Since 2013, September 30th has been recognized across Canada as a day to remember all Indigenous children who attended the Residential School system and the harmful legacy, it has left over the generations. Why the colour Orange? Phyllis Webstad, a 6-year-old Indigenous Child, wore her brand new orange shirt on her first day of Residential School. It was taken from her and never returned, along with her language and culture. Orange Shirt Day in Uxbridge is part of the churches response to the 94 Calls to Action from the Truth & Reconciliation Commission. St Andrew’s-Chalmers Presbyterian Church in Uxbridge began recognizing Orange Shirt Day’s in 2017, and due to the interest and response from other churches and the community, this event has grown and spread to Port Perry. This third year, St. Andrew’s-Chalmers P.C., along with St. Paul’s Anglican, Trinity United Church and Ascension Anglican Church in Port Perry, along with Maamawi Collective, will be coming together to acknowledge Orange Shirt Day – Uxbridge 2019. Maamawi Collective is a collection of volunteers who strive to provide a source of information and create positive connections with Indigenous Peoples. They have been actively fundraising for this Orange Shirt Day event in Uxbridge. Specifically, to fund the Ashunyung Singers & Dancers for the afternoon concert to be held at Trinity United Church, Uxbridge. Schools in Durham Region will be holding their own recognition events during this week. The theme is anti-bullying.
We are acknowledging Orange Shirt Day this year on Sunday, September
29th, 2019. The schedule of events for the day are as listed below and available on our website uxbridgeorangeshirtday.ca:10:30 a.m. – There will be an ecumenical service at St. Paul’s Anglican Church. Bishop Mark MacDonald, the first Indigenous Bishop in the Anglican Church of Canada will participate in the service as well as Matthew Stevens from the Mississaugas of Scugog Island.
Noon to 12:30 p.m. – Following the service, there will be a community walk wearing our orange shirts, to Trinity United Church. The Indigenous cruiser from Durham Regional Police will accompany the participants, as it has in the past.
12:30-1:45 p.m. – There will be a ticketed lunch at Trinity United
Church. Cost is $15.
2:00 p.m. – Bishop MacDonald will speak in the sanctuary, followed by
Indigenous drumming and dancing. Jacob Charles, from the Chippewas of
Georgina will explain the Indigenous spiritual significance of the Big
Drum and the Regalia is worn during the dances performed by the Ashunyung group.
3:30-4:00 p.m. -These events will conclude.
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