Victoria, BC– September 30, known as Orange Shirt Day and now observed as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, is a time for reflection, education, and action. This day honors the survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities, and recognizes the ongoing impacts of these institutions on Indigenous Peoples across Canada.

The CRD is committed to fostering a community that respects and upholds the rights and cultures of Indigenous Peoples. We acknowledge the profound harm inflicted upon Indigenous peoples by Canada's residential schools and the ongoing impacts and intergenerational trauma that persist within Indigenous communities.

The Kuper Island Indian Residential School, located on Kuper Island (now known as Penelakut Island), operated from 1890 to 1975. According to information obtained from the BC Archives, children who attended this school experienced profound isolation from their communities and traumatic separation from their families. They were forbidden to speak their Indigenous language. They were neglected, underfed, and often faced sexual, physical, and psychological abuse. Approximately one-third of the students succumbed to tuberculosis, a devastating disease within these institutions. A survey conducted in 1896 revealed that out of 264 former students, a staggering 107 had died. The reverberations of this trauma continue to ripple through our region, haunting survivors and their descendants.

You can learn more about the Kuper Island Indian Residential School in the BC Archives.

“To achieve the first step towards reconciliation, we must hear the words of the person who has received many harms, then reflect together on what we receive,” said Eddy Charlie, a survivor of the Kuper Island Indian Industrial School. “Reconciliation comes when we look at the root, not just the end result of some actions. Hear the words of all who are affected by trauma so you can understand the whole story, and remember you are seeing the effects of trauma. Being a part of the circle is different from being told about it. Sit and hear the stories of the trauma that residential schools caused before making any statements or judgments.”

The Capital Regional District (CRD) proudly flies the Xe Xe Smun' Eem "Our Sacred Children" flag for truth and reconciliation from September 27 to October 4. We are deeply honoured to borrow this powerful symbol from Eddy Charlie and his friend Kristin Spray, co-organizers of Victoria Orange Shirt Day and Xe Xe Smun' Eem.

Designed by Tsawout artist Bear Horne, the flag embodies profound symbolism—the bear to help us follow the right path, the eagle to help us envision a bright future, the hummingbird to keep our mind, body, and spirit healthy, and the flower to feed the connection of all these elements. It is a privilege for the CRD to be entrusted to fly this flag.

“We are honoured to be granted the opportunity to fly the Xe Xe Smun' Eem flag. This flag stands as a powerful symbol of the lasting impacts of residential schools and the resilience of Indigenous communities,” said CRD Board Chair Colin Plant. “I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Eddy Charlie and Kristin Spray for their unwavering dedication and efforts in raising awareness and fostering reconciliation.”

We encourage residents to join local events like the South Island Powwow, ceremonies, and educational initiatives on September 30, supporting Indigenous voices in telling their stories and fostering a greater understanding of our shared history. Listening to the voices of residential school survivors is a crucial part of our journey toward healing. Survivor testimonies can be found through local museums, educational programs, and online resources.

The CRD remains steadfast in our commitment to listening, learning, and forging a path toward stronger relationships with the First Nations on whose Territories we operate. Together, we strive for a future where reconciliation is more than a word; it's a lived reality—where truth is recognized, wounds of the past heal, and respect for Indigenous self-determination grows stronger. The CRD’s Statement of Reconciliation outlines our path to Reconciliation.

For those wishing to learn more, we recommend exploring the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and engaging with resources provided by local Indigenous organizations. 

For more information on Victoria Orange Shirt Day, visit victoriaorangeshirtday.com or follow @victoriaorangeshirtday on Instagram.

The CRD delivers regional, sub-regional and local services to 13 municipalities and three electoral areas on southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Governed by a 24-member Board of Directors, the CRD works collaboratively with First Nations and government partners to enable sustainable growth, foster community well-being, and develop cost-effective infrastructure while continuing to provide core services to residents throughout the region. Visit us online at www.crd.bc.ca.

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For media inquiries, please contact:
Andy Orr, Senior Manager
CRD Corporate Communications
Tel: 250.360.3229
Cell: 250.216.5492

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