A Truth Not Fully Told

Orange Shirt Day (September 30) was created in 2013 to commemorate the experiences of Indigenous children and their families, separated and forced to attend residential schools in Canada.

These experiences have been symbolized by Phyllis Webstad of the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation, a third generation residential school survivor. Webstad recounts how, on her first day at a Mission School in 1973, she was stripped of her clothes, including her new orange shirt bought specially by her grandmother. She was only six years old. Her story has become a powerful metaphor for the language, culture, and safety stripped from generations of Indigenous peoples by churches and the Canadian government for over 160 years.
In 2021, following the discovery of unmarked graves at former residential schools, September 30 was also declared the National Day For Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR) in Canada. It is a time to remember and reflect on the legacy of Canada’s dark past.

“Truth comes before reconciliation, and the truth is not yet fully told.” - Phyllis Webstad

Looking ahead to NDTR, we would like to share some products that pay tribute to the strength and resilience of Indigenous peoples in the face of colonialism. They feature the striking Gitxsan handprint by Indigenous artist, Michelle Stoney, to memorialize the lost children of the residential schools and ensure they will never be forgotten. Michelle Stoney is a renowned, award-winning Gitxsan artist from Hazelton, British Columbia, and a graduate of the Emily Carr University of Art and Design in Vancouver. The Gitxsan Hand for NDTR is one of her most prominent designs.

In her own words:
“The hand was an idea from local high school teachers. They had asked me to create a design to honour the local survivors. In the palm of the hand is Stigyoden, our local mountain in the Gitxsan Nation in Northern British Columbia. Surrounding the mountain are flowers, which in our language we call majagalee, which also means children. And on the top, representing the fingers are the feathers, which honour the children who never made it home.”

Gitxsan Hand T-Shirt

A classic, unisex t-shirt that will be seen and remembered for years to come. The Gitxsan handprint motif is striking in black against vibrant orange, with the artist’s signature at the base of the design. 100% Cotton (Pre-shrunk).

Available in SM, MED, LG, XL and XXL.

https://www.thebrownbear.ca/products/apparel-gitxsan-hand-tee

Gitxsan Hand Eco Tote Bag

Sturdy, spacious, and vivid in colour, this eco-friendly reusable tote keeps items safe with a zippered top, inside pocket, and water resistant surface. The Gitxsan handprint features prominently on both sides.

Made with 100% recycled plastic bottles. Measures 39 cm x 34.5 cm x 10 cm (approx. 15” x 13.5” x 4”).

https://www.thebrownbear.ca/products/accessories-indigenous-art-eco-bag

Gitxsan Hand Eco Pouch

A multi-purpose zippered pouch that holds your cosmetics, art supplies, toiletries, snacks, jewelry, charging cords, and anything else you can think of. Ideal for travel or storage. The Gitxsan handprint motif is unmistakable and unforgettable against the orange background, on either side.

Made with 100% recycled plastic bottles. Measures 27 cm x 18.5 cm (approx. 7” x 10.5”).

https://www.thebrownbear.ca/products/accessories-indigenous-art-pouch
IMPORTANT: Sadly, many NDTR and All Children Matter designs are being stolen or co-opted from Indigenous artists and cheaply reproduced overseas on t-shirts and other products.

The Brown Bear has a long history of partnering with ethical distributors to ensure Indigenous artists are fairly compensated and receive royalties for their beautiful and authentic products.

The items featured in this article are designed and distributed in Canada by Oscardo, an Indigenous-owned company. Products are designed by Indigenous artists, and all artists have provided consent and contractual permission for their art to be featured on them. Artist names are acknowledged on all product packaging. Cultural traditions are honoured by acknowledging cultural affiliation on product packaging. Artists are paid in fees and royalties. We humbly remind our readers and customers that honouring National Day For Truth and Reconciliation extends beyond Orange Shirt Day. Truth and reconciliation involve real accountability, reflection, and change.

Some actions you can take:

• Commit to learning about Indigenous history and culture from the Indigenous perspective
• Purchase from Indigenous-owned businesses
• Support Indigenous musicians and artists and craftspeople
• Donate to Indigenous-based charities and cultural organizations
• Become an ally by acknowledging the effects of colonialism on Indigenous communities, and reflecting on your role in systems of inequality

Resources:

• To learn more about Phyllis Webstad and the origin of Orange Shirt Day, please visit: https://orangeshirtday.org/phyllis-story/
• If you’d like to learn more about Indigenous Canadian history and current events, please consider enrolling in the University of Alberta’s FREE online Indigenous Canada course: https://www.ualberta.ca/.../indigenous-canada/index.html
• Anyone triggered by accounts, experiences, or memories of abuse at Indian Residential Schools may contact a 24-hour National Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419