Orange Handprints Commemmorate Residential School Victims

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Orange Handprints Commemmorate Residential School Victims

On July 3, an unidentified individual or individuals left dozens of orange handprints across Neepawa, particularly up and down the main street in visible locations such as streetlights, crossing signs, stop signs, and bins. While we don’t speak for the person or persons who left these particular handprints, we understand they symbolize the Indigenous children who were taken from their homes to residential schools across Canada, and are left to honour the lives of the children who never returned home as well as support the communities who grieve their loss.

For several years orange has been the colour used to recognize the impact residential schools have had on the Indigenous peoples of Canada, and Orange Shirt Day is observed on September 30 of each year, a date chosen as it is the time of year when children were taken from their homes.

This year, as awareness of the impact of residential schools has become more widespread and more Canadians have been confronting the difficult truth of their legacy, observances with orange shirts, accessories, or ribbons have not been restricted to just one day.

This latest expression through handprints comes in the wake of the discovery of hundreds of unmarked graves at former residential school sites, with the likelihood that there are hundreds if not thousands more to be discovered as other sites are searched.

Similar activism has taken place in many locations across the country over the past few weeks. While some have been quick to remove the handprints from public buildings and properties, Neepawa has taken a slower and more thoughtful approach.

Neepawa mayor Blake McCutcheon said to the Neepawa Banner and Press, “As we reflect on the recent and timely display of handprints in our community, we unselfishly begin to understand and acknowledge the enormity of ongoing discovery of children’s remains at residential school sites across Canada. Moving forward, we all need to acknowledge the Indigenous children whose lives ended much too early and participate in the healing process for the survivors and their families. Every community, large or small, must do its part.

“In recognition of promoting and advancing the healing process, the Town of Neepawa will be carefully considering the relocation of the symbolic handprints to a more honourable and respectful permanent site.”

Local business owners Darryl and Michell Gerrard had handprints left on the metal siding of their hardware store. In a statement on Facebook, Darryl says, “I understand what those orange handprints represent, and today Michelle and I decided to leave them in place. We couldn’t just wipe away those symbols in light of what we have learned over the past few weeks. This is where we all have to accept the responsibility of the past and be a part of reconciliation moving forward.”

Neepawa is located in Treaty 2 territory, ancestral home to the Dakota, Anishinaabeg, Inninewak, Oji-Cree, Dene and Métis peoples. 

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Video Upload Date: July 15, 2021

As Neepawa and area’s local access television station, NACTV has been serving the community since 1977. The station is a community-owned not-for-profit organisation that broadcasts 24 hours a day and reaches homes throughout Manitoba and Canada on Bell ExpressVu 592, MTS Channel 30/1030, and WCG 117 as well as streaming online at nactv.tv.

NACTV’s content is primarily filmed and produced by local volunteers and focuses on issues, activities, achievements, sports, and news by, about, and of interest to our community.  

Neepawa is located in western Manitoba, about two hours west of Winnipeg and 45 minutes southeast of Riding Mountain National Park.

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