SOUND OFF: Why our generation needs blue hearts on Orange Shirt Day

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To help students and staff in her school understand why this is important, Joe-George wrote a short article to explain. Here it is, in its entirety.

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September 30 is a day of healing, as every day is for our culture, but we have this specific day for our community, our schools to join us. Residential schools were the tip of the iceberg that brought much deeper outcomes, from addictions to unnatural substances to disorders mentally affecting families, intergenerational trauma, to hearing the three simple words that everyone is told from day one: “I love you.”

That is where the blue generation comes in. Residential schools created a domino effect of constant mental and spiritual pain. Because we see the people we love and an entire culture hurting, we can’t help but feel that pain too.

WATCH: Skylah Joe-George on the importance of blue hearts (Video Credit: School District 73)

It is time to acknowledge the hardships of the past, but most importantly, our youth – for the Blue Generation – our generation – to be the healers.

The people do not want hand-outs. There is no need to feel guilty, or even feel sorry. Actively acknowledge our strengths, and listen. Know that I as your peer am asking for your help to build a community where everyone is valued and Indigenous youth feel they have a purpose. And what has become of the culture can be changed by authentic experiences, to make sure what my ancestors endured in the hardships of the past will not be for nothing.

We will be stronger than ever. It is necessary to erase assumptions and at least take the time to understand that residential schools cause pain and that pain is still here today within the students of our school and all across the country.

The support from students and staff is required in order for Indigenous youth to be a part of the present. We are present people. Canada is one country, and we must come together as one.

So we ask on September 30, by wearing an orange shirt with a blue heart, join us to ignite a new beginning and chapter to move forward and not forget the past to make sure the future is fulfilled the best it can be for the future generations to come.

From the heart, Skylah Joe-George.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.