This will be the first time that Orange Shirt Day is held in Grande Prairie with a focus on the discussion of the effects of the residential school system.
There will be featured speaker Former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Phil Fontaine speaking on the Truth and Reconciliation conversation at Revolution Place September 30th at 1:00 pm.
The city of Grande Prairie and the Grande Prairie Aboriginal Circle of Services are partnering on the event. In addition to Fontaine, there will be a hooper dancer, Métis dancers, traditional dancers and hand drummers.
GPACOS co-chair Marge Mueller says it is important to share stories and help the community understand what survivors of residential schools went through.
This event will also mark the official launch of smudging protocol in the community.
Orange Shirt Day first began three years ago in British Columbia and stems from the story of a Williams Lake woman. September 30th was dubbed Orange Shirt Day after Phyllis Webstad recalled the story of her new orange shirt being taken away on her first day at residential school.