Orange Shirt Day at Connected North

In the lead-up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, Connected North hosted 70 sessions that gave students opportunities to learn, reflect, create and engage with Indigenous voices and perspectives.

Among these were three Premium Sessions held on September 29, bringing students together with Indigenous leaders, artists and musicians through personal stories, music and art. These sessions explored the histories and impacts of residential and day schools while sharing messages of cultural pride, resilience and hope for the future.

Stories and cultural pride with Manitok Thompson

In a Premium Session hosted by Becky Han, students from 14 schools joined Manitok Thompson, a retired teacher, community activist and former member of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut, to learn from her life story.

Manitok demonstrated the design of traditional clothing worn by Inuit mothers and encouraged students to take pride in their identities. “You matter because you are First Canadians. You are First Canadians in Canada and should be proud of who you are,” she told them.

She spoke about her childhood, the assimilation she experienced at day school and how her siblings were sent away under threat of retaliation from the government. Reflecting on efforts to erase Inuit identities, she also encouraged students to recognize one another’s humanity.

Manitok showed students the comics she created about her experiences as part of her healing. Through her stories and artwork, she offered a message of cultural pride and hope for the future.

Music and connection with Leela Gilday

Students from 21 schools came together for Commemorating Orange Shirt Day: A Live Concert with Leela Gilday, a Premium Session hosted by Karalyn Menicoche.

The Dene singer-songwriter from the Northwest Territories shared songs and stories about her life growing up on Treaty 8 territory. Her message to young people was one of encouragement: “Everybody's voice is important and powerful. You are gifted, the Creator has gifted you with something very unique and significant.”

Leela spoke about the history of residential schools, their policies of assimilation and her own family’s experiences with them. She called on participants to build understanding and work towards healing, reflecting on the unfinished work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. She reminded students that, despite colonization and attempted genocide, Indigenous peoples are still here.

Her songs explored cultural pride, love of the land, ancestors, language revitalization, friendship and unity through difficult times. Through music and conversation, she invited students to recognize the power of their voices and their role in shaping the future.

Storytelling and art with Sol Mamakwa and Jim Oskineegish

In Orange Shirt Day with Sol Mamakwa & Jim Oskineegish, a Premium Session hosted by Waukomaun Pawis, students from 28 schools took part in storytelling, reflection and a guided drawing activity.

Sol Mamakwa, Ontario MPP and residential school survivor, shared his personal story and hopes for the future. He spoke about the importance of identity, language and ways of life in building strong people and Nations.

“Every child matters, the identity… the languages and the ways of life that we have as people that are on the land, who we are and… that's how we will become strong people, strong Nations,” Sol shared.

Jim Oskineegish, an Indigenous artist and Sixties Scoop survivor, then guided students through an Orange Shirt Day drawing focused on truth, reflection, remembrance and resilience. He shared examples of his artwork and encouraged participants to develop their own gifts: “Whatever you find that you love to do, just keep practicing.”

Together, their contributions acknowledged the harms of residential schools and the Sixties Scoop while affirming the enduring strength of Indigenous peoples. Students had opportunities to listen, reflect and express themselves through art.

Honouring stories, supporting connection

Connected North is grateful to the Knowledge Keepers, artists, musicians and leaders who shared their stories, teachings and creative work with students. We are honoured by the trust placed in us to bring these experiences into classrooms.

These three Premium Sessions were part of the 70 sessions Connected North hosted in the lead-up to September 30. Through learning, listening, music and art, they offered opportunities to reflect on the histories and impacts of residential schools and to honour Indigenous identities, cultures and enduring strength.