Blake Ellis/Local Journalism Initaitive

It was an emotional moment as Roberta Northmore asked Lambton-Kent District School Board trustees designate orange as a colour only to be used for the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.

During the choice of the school colours for the yet to be built Blue Coast District School in Forest, the Indigenous subcommittee had made the request not to have orange included. Northmore asked trustees March 31 that the move be extended throughout the school district.

Northmore, the vice chair of the board, wanted to make sure all schools honoured the colour orange.
“My father went to residential school, so I will get through this,” said Lambton Kent District School Board

Vice Chair Roberta Northmore, fighting back emotion as she proposed that orange be designated only as a colour associated with National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

“The designation honours Indigenous residential school survivors and pays respect to the children who never returned home,” said Northmore.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation or Orange Shirt Day originated from a story from Phyllis Webstad, a residential school survivor, whose favourite orange shirt was taken from her on her first day at a mission school. Canadians are encouraged to wear orange on Sept. 30 to show solidarity, start conversations and commit to on going reconciliation efforts.

“This reinforces our continued dedication to ensuring that the harm of the past is neither forgotten or repeated,” said Northmore.

Trustee Jane Bryce said it is important for all students and families within the Lambton Kent District School Board, especially those who have come in contact with residential school survivors.

Trustees voted to designate orange only as a symbol of Truth and Reconciliation Day.

The school colours chosen by Blue Coast District School will be navy, royal and white with the mascot of the bear. The school’s motto will be “kind, brave, united.” The identity subcommittee reconvened in November to look at the motto, mascot and school colours, after trustees voted to change the schools name last June to Blue Coast District School.

The Anishinabe name for bear is mkwaa. This will also be used at the school. When asked when mkwaa will be used to describe the school’s mascot, the Superintendent of Indigenous Education, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Justice Eryn Smit said the board will be leaving that up to the school.

As for when construction will begin at Blue Coast District School, Associate Director Brian McKay said the tender process opened on March 31.

He expects the bids to come before the school board in May for approval. Six general contractors that have been approved to submit bids.