10/01/2026
Orange Shirt Day – Voices in the Wind
On September 30, 2026, the MKO Traditional Healer Program had the honour of providing three Tipis with teachings in the beautiful green space at the Boreal Discovery Centre.
Throughout the day, parents and children were welcomed into the BDC and provided teachings about Orange Shirt Day, Truth and Reconciliation, and the meaning behind Every Child Matters. It was a day of remembrance, learning, healing, and hope.
As the wind moved gently around the Tipis, it felt as though the voices of our ancestors were with us. Their stories, their strength, and their memories remained present in the space. There was healing in the laughter of the children—a sound that carries deep meaning when we remember the generations of children who were taken from their families and whose laughter was silenced.
The laughter we heard that day was more than joy. It was a reminder that our children are still here. They are carrying forward the voices, teachings, languages, cultures, and traditions that residential schools tried to take away.
Through the teachings of Rhoda Thompson, children were introduced to traditional medicines and learned about the plants that have been used for generations to bring healing, balance, and wellness. These teachings reminded us that medicine is not only found in plants—it is also found in knowledge, connection, culture, family, and community.
We were deeply honoured by the presence of the Binesi Ikwewag Women’s Big Drum Group, whose songs filled the gathering with strength and spirit. As the drum echoed, you could feel the heartbeat of Mother Earth beneath every beat. The songs carried honour for the children who never made it home, for the survivors, for the families who continue to carry their stories, and for the generations yet to come.
One of the most meaningful moments was watching the youth from the Boys and Girls Club work alongside traditionalists as they learned how to set up the three Tipis. Each pole carried a teaching. Each step became an opportunity to learn. Mary Azure Laubman shared teachings connected to each pole, with the teachings she learned from Mervin McKay that guided the youth through the traditional process.[ he was on a video reminding of the teachings]
The youth listened. They watched. They participated. They absorbed the old ways.
In those moments, we were reminded that Truth and Reconciliation is not only about remembering the past—it is about ensuring that the teachings continue into the future.
It was a sacred time.
Three Tipis stood together in the green space, above them was the sky. Beneath them was Mother Earth.
And everywhere in the BDC the laughter of the children was something powerful, because it carried that hope:
Hope.
Hope that our children will know who they are.
Hope that they will know where they come from.
Hope that our languages and teachings will continue.
Hope that our cultures will remain strong.
Hope that healing will continue from one generation to the next.
On Orange Shirt Day, we remember those who did not make it home.
We honour the survivors.
We hold the families close.
And we stand with the children of today—the generations who carry the strength of those who came before them.
Every Child Matters.
Every Voice Matters.
Every Story Matters.
We Remember. We Honour. We Teach. We Heal. We Carry Forward.
May the voices of our ancestors continue to whisper through the wind, reminding us that their stories live on through our children.
The MKO Traditional Healer Program were honoured to have with us:
Rhoda Thompson
Mary Azure-Laubman
Karl Laubman
Healer Andrew Pelletier
Hector Spence
Trevor Catcheway
Kayla Bee
Ritchie Bee
Jae-Leign Nazzie
Ellen Weenusk
Youth- Boys & Girls Club
Special shout out to the Boreal Discovery Centre for the use of their beautiful Green Space, and to Matt Courvoisuer- The Facility Person at the BDC, who took part in setting up the last tipi, thank you so much for your kindness Matt
