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2nd Session, 41st Legislature

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Bill 223

THE ORANGE SHIRT DAY ACT


Table of Contents Bilingual version (PDF) Explanatory Note

(Assented to                                         )

WHEREAS the orange shirt has become a symbol of remembrance for residential school survivors;

AND WHEREAS the symbol originated in the experience of Phyllis (Jack) Webstad of the Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation, who shared her story of how her new orange shirt was taken away from her on her first day at St. Joseph Mission Residential School, leaving her with feelings of worthlessness and insignificance;

AND WHEREAS Indigenous children were historically taken from their homes to residential schools at the end of September;

AND WHEREAS the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada has called for a national day of remembrance for residential school survivors;

AND WHEREAS this day will provide a way for Manitobans to publicly commemorate the history and legacy of residential schools and the resilience of residential school survivors, commemoration being a vital component of the reconciliation process;

THEREFORE HER MAJESTY, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba, enacts as follows:

Orange Shirt Day

1

In each year, September 30 is to be known throughout Manitoba as Orange Shirt Day.

C.C.S.M. reference

2

This Act may be referred to as chapter O73 of the Continuing Consolidation of the Statutes of Manitoba.

Coming into force

3

This Act comes into force on the day it receives royal assent.

Explanatory Note

This Bill proclaims September 30 in each year as Orange Shirt Day, a day of remembrance of the history and legacy of residential schools and the resilience of the survivors.