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Community Life

Local Community Honors Truth and Reconciliation with Early Orange Shirt Day Event

The Lower Similkameen Indian Band marked Orange Shirt Day early on September 29, in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

By Osoyoos News Editorial Desk • Published September 30, 2026 • 1-minute read • Lower Similkameen Indian Band

According to Global News Okanagan, Mary Louie, a residential school survivor, recalls escaping the school at night and walking home alone. The Lower Similkameen Indian Band held a Community Walk for Truth and Reconciliation before National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 29.

Herman Edward, an elder from the band, stated that residential schools took culture from Indigenous families. Janet Cherbaskin also spoke out against protests against Truth and Reconciliation events in Kamloops.

Mary Louie learned from her grandmother after escaping residential school. She now sees children walking together as a community at Orange Shirt Day events, such as the one held by the Lower Similkameen Indian Band.