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Kelowna  

Ceremonies will take place across the Central Okanagan to remember those affected by residential schools

Orange Shirt Day events

UPDATE 3:45 p.m.

The The Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society ceremony honouring those affected by residential schools will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 29 at 3 p.m.

To drive awareness of the first National Truth & Reconciliation Day, the society has created special orange shirts.

They are selling at the KFS office for $25 each.

All funds raised will be redirected into a social enterprise called Original Born Art, which increases opportunities for Indigenous youth through art, culture, and recreation.

Reach out to us (250) 763-4905 or email [email protected] to inquire about the shirts.

They can also be picked up on a first-come-first-serve basis at 442 Leon Ave.


ORIGINAL 4 a.m.

First Nation groups across the Central Okanagan have events planned Sept. 30 to remember those who were lost and affected by residential schools and colonization.

While the Trudeau government declared the day a federal holiday earlier this year, Sept. 30 has been recognized by First Nations as Orange Shirt Day since 2013.

Its origin dates back to 1973 when six-year-old Phyllis Webstad had her new orange shirt stripped from her on her first day at St. Joseph's Residential School in Williams Lake.

She never saw the shirt again.

The Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society will host a ceremony outside their Leon Avenue facility.

The ceremony will be held the day prior, Wednesday, Sept. 29 beginning at 3 p.m.

It will include speakers, drumming and meals for the first 60 attendees.

Westbank First Nation community members will host a drum circle beginning at 2:15 at the Elders Hall on Shannon Lake Road.

The event is open to everyone, however, attendance will be capped at 50 people. Masks are required and social distancing will be practiced.

Officials say those looking for ways to honour the day can do so in a variety of ways.

  • Kelowna Museum will host a variety of events recognizing the day throughout the week
  • Download, print and display an Every Child Matters heart
  • Purchase local Indigenous books
  • Purchase an orange t-shirt to wear on Sept. 30. They are available at Spirit of the Lake Native Boutique on Nancee Way
  • Tour WFN’s Sncewips Heritage Museum. Pre-booked tours are available at $15/person, unguided tours are by donation.

Kelowna City Hall will also be closed on Sept. 30 for the holiday. The Glenmore Landfill will be open regular hours from 7:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

Parkinson Recreation Centre will be open adjusted holiday hours on Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Kelowna Memorial Cemetery administration office will be closed on Sept. 30 but the Cemetery gates will remain open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.



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