Recently, SFCH Residential Treatment Counselor Monique Renville created an Every Child Matters art project. She made packets available for all RTCs and teachers who wanted to participate. The results (see photo) are a powerful reminder of “hands-on” caring and connection.

Every Child Matters was part of the messaging around Orange Shirt Day, which was September 30. It’s primarily observed in Canada but has spread to parts of the US as well.

“Orange Shirt Day was created as an opportunity to discuss the effects of residential schools and their legacy,” says Monique. “It honors the experiences of Indigenous peoples, celebrates resilience and affirms a commitment that every child matters.”

Several generations of Native people in Canada and the U.S. were forcibly sent to residential schools, where they were prohibited from speaking their tribal languages and practicing their own culture. They were separated from their families (some as young as 4 and 5) and often subjected to abuse and/or neglect.

Recently, residential schools have been in the news as the bodies of children who passed away at the schools have been sent back to their tribal nations. In addition, hundreds of unmarked graves at these schools have been discovered.

Monique wrote to staff, “I just wanted to say thank you to everyone that participated! Especially on such short notice! Orange Shirt Day is technically a reserved holiday in Canada but felt it would be appropriate for us to recognize as well since we too, have gone through similar situations here in the US. I know this is a hard conversation to have and difficult to explain so I thank you for your patience and willingness to participate in this little project! Wopida ye (Thank you!).”