As summer begins to shift toward fall, we want to start by acknowledging and extending our gratitude to Sc’ianew Nation for the generous hospitality extended
to South Island Division of Family Practice staff and members this summer. We were honoured to be invited to witness canoe landing protocol and to spend time
together in community.
SIDFP was also honoured to sponsor the Sc’ianew Canoe Family this year. Sc’ianew is one of the First Nations our South Island Primary Care Network has the privilege of working alongside, and opportunities like this allow us to continue building relationships beyond meetings and health care spaces through showing up, listening, learning and being present when invited.
September offers a natural point to consider how those relationships are carried forward. The autumn equinox arrives on September 22, marking the seasonal transition from summer into fall. As the season changes, it offers a simple moment for reflection: What are we carrying forward, and how might it shape the relationships we continue to build?
That reflection is especially timely as we approach Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30.
Two Observances, One Date
Two observances share September 30, each with its own history. Orange Shirt Day – Every Child Matters is an Indigenous-led movement rooted in the story of
residential school Survivor Phyllis Webstad. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was established federally in response to the Truth and
Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 80.
Orange Shirt Society → The Story Behind the Movement
Government of Canada → National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
A Local Story of Relationship
Here on southern Vancouver Island, Victoria Orange Shirt Day has its own story. Residential school Survivor Eddy Charlie and his friend Kristin Spray met while
studying Indigenous Studies at Camosun College. Their friendship and conversations grew into bringing Orange Shirt Day first to Camosun and later to
the wider Victoria community.
The Victoria Orange Shirt Day design brings its own meaning and intention. W-SÁNEĆ artist Bear Horne of SȾÁUTW- First Nation donated his Xe Xe Smun’
Eem – Sacred Children design to honour residential school Survivors. The design brings together a bear to help follow the right path, an eagle to help envision a
bright future, a hummingbird for a healthy mind, body and spirit, and a flower connecting and nourishing these elements.
Victoria Orange Shirt Day → About Us
SȾÁUTW- First Nation → Community Spotlight: Bear Horne
And as September 30 approaches, we can also be thoughtful about something many of us might do that day: wear an orange shirt. There can be more behind that shirt than its colour. Who created the artwork? What meaning does the design carry? Where did the shirt come from and who benefits from its purchase? These are small details that can bring us a little closer to the people, purpose and relationships behind something so widely recognized. Another small expression of what it means to be in good relation.