By Diana Rothbauer
Branch Head
Woodview Park Library
As the hues of autumn embrace our city, another significant color, orange, takes prominence. Orange Shirt Day is more than just an annual observance; it’s a poignant reminder and acknowledgment of the residential schools’ chapter in our history, a legacy we should never forget.
This year, Woodview Park Library was privileged to become a canvas of creativity and sentiment, thanks to the enthusiastic participation of Emery area students and residents. To all of you who took the time to paint and display the t-shirts for Orange Shirt Day, I extend a heartfelt ‘thank you’. Your dedication and creativity have turned our space into a vibrant sanctuary of remembrance and reflection.
Such an initiative would not have been possible without the generosity of the Emery Village BIA and, particularly, the Executive Director, Sandra Farina. Their kind donation of the orange shirts allowed us to unite the community, facilitating the shirt painting program and highlighting the significance of this important date.
Every painted shirt tells a story, a message, a hope. These shirts symbolize our collective commitment to acknowledging the past, learning from it, and striving for a brighter, more inclusive future. The library’s walls, adorned with these symbols, are a testament to the Emery community’s strength and solidarity.
In closing, as the Branch Head of Woodview Park Library, I am humbled and grateful to be part of such an active and compassionate community. Together, we keep the spirit of Orange Shirt Day alive, ensuring that the lessons from our history are neither forgotten nor repeated.
Thank you, Emery, for coming together and making a difference.