A family beading night leading up to Sept. 30 is part of the Beaufort Delta's efforts to make it clear to all: Every Child Matters.
Still often known by its original name of Orange Shirt Day, the day of reflection and atonement became a national holiday in 2021.
From a school walk the day following the national holiday to a beading workshop in the days preceding, there are a few activities already planned out and many more still in the works as of press time.
"East Three Secondary School in Inuvik will present two Rise Above Awards to two Elders on Oct. 1," said Beaufort Delta District Education Council superintendent Devin Roberts. "They will be hosting a jigging contest and go on a school wide walk to Ingamo Hall, and return to the school.
"Chief Paul Niditchie School in Tsiigehtchic will host Orange Shirt Day on Sept. 26 with a school-wide walk. Students will be painting rocks orange with messages of kindness that will be dropped off on the trail. On Sept. 27, students will host an Elder's Lunch with storytelling."
Leading up to Sept. 30, Nihtat Gwich'in Council (NGC) is hosting a family appreciation night and open house with a theme of Every Child Matters around it. The Sept. 26 open house will help families registered with Nihtat to learn more about programming available and enjoy a feast.
Guests will be briefed on cultural on-the-land programming offered through NGC.
As part of the evening's plan and further programming, Nihtat has put out a call for beaders, an established practice in the region for self-therapy used in many local circles to work through past trauma. A beading station will be set up for kids to a learn how to make their own pins, key chains, bracelets, earrings and so forth.
"As the event takes place a few days before Sept. 30, the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation, we have themed some of our activities towards the Every Child Matters 'context,' said Jackie Challis, Nihtat Gwich矛n Council's manager of educational and cultural programs. "The event will include introduction to our staff & programs, a chance for families and youth to meet others currently attending our programs, and is also open to families living in Inuvik with Indigenous children ages five to 18 that may be interested in attending our programs in the future.
"We will share a meal together and we hope to have a number of activity stations for participants, including the above-mentioned beading."
Doors for the evening open at 5 p.m. on Sept. 26 and the meal is at 5:30 p.m. RSVP for the evening in advance by visiting for early access.
Anyone with questions can email jackie.challis@nihtatgwichin.ca or phone (867) 777-6650 for more information.
