By Brandie Majeau
On Truth and Reconciliation Day, Thorhild County Family & Community Support
Services brought together a group of community members at the Thorhild Drop-In
Center to learn the art of beading and create small, beaded orange shirts, a poignant
symbol of remembrance and solidarity with Indigenous communities.
Participants, ranging across generations, sat together at tables covered with
bright beads, thread, and patterns. Volunteers and experienced beaders led the
workshop, teaching newcomers how to thread beads and form the distinctive orange
shirt shape that has become synonymous with the movement to honour residential
school survivors. As part of the creative afternoon, a presentation was featured to
educate and engage conversations surrounding the far-reaching negative impacts that
residential schools have had.
The orange shirt, inspired by the story of Phyllis Webstad, stands as a reminder
of the children taken from their families and the ongoing journey toward healing and
reconciliation. For many attendees, the act of beading was a way to connect, reflect,
and show support.
Many came to learn beading, but also to engage in a meaningful activity for Truth
and Reconciliation Day. Creating orange shirts with friends and family members
provided an opportunity to discuss the significance of the day and its importance.
The turnout was fantastic and had people attending from Thorhild County and
neighbouring communities. Organizers hope the event will inspire ongoing
conversations and further education around the history and legacy of residential
schools.
As the workshop ended, participants left not only with a new skill and a
handmade orange shirt memento, but also with a renewed understanding of the
importance of remembrance and solidarity. The conversations sparked around each
table and the shared moments of learning underscored the collective journey toward
reconciliation. For many, the beading experience went beyond craft. It became a space
to reflect on the stories behind the orange shirt and to consider how each person can
contribute to a more inclusive and compassionate community. The day closed with a
sense of hope that these acts of remembrance and learning will continue to inspire
meaningful change.
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