It appears as though orange is not a popular colour at the Meadow Lake Courthouse. According to the Meadow Lake Tribal Council, the Saskatchewan Justice Unit in Meadow Lake is facing widespread criticism after two female workers, one of whom is a residential school survivor, were sent home for wearing orange to work Sept. 30. This incident occurred on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day dedicated to commemorating and honouring survivors of Indian Residential Schools, their families and the lasting impact of these institutions.

An MLTC news release, issued last week, states both workers donned orange clothing to participate in National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a symbol of remembrance for the thousands of children taken from their homes and forced into the residential school system. MLTC officials go on to note, this movement – established to raise awareness and foster reconciliation – is a crucial step toward healing and understanding the profound harms suffered by Indigenous communities across Canada, adding it is an opportunity for all Canadians to listen, learn and take meaningful steps toward a better future.

“Sending these workers home for wearing orange is not only a denial of the deeply rooted and painful history being recognized, but also an egregious disregard for the progress the country is striving to make in understanding and healing from this past,” stated MLTC tribal chief Jeremy Norman. “This action undermines the importance of acknowledging survivors and honouring their courage and resilience. For a justice unit to respond in such a manner reflects poorly on its commitment to equity, inclusivity and reconciliation. It also raises questions about the understanding of and sensitivity toward Indigenous issues within the institution itself.”

MLTC is now calling on the Saskatchewan Government to make this day (Sept. 30) a provincial holiday for all, and for the Saskatchewan Justice Unit in Meadow Lake to take immediate action to address this incident and commit to fostering a respectful and inclusive environment for its employees. MLTC is calling for a full investigation to be conducted and the necessary steps taken to ensure a similar situation does not repeat itself. According to MLTC, true reconciliation requires action, understanding and the creation of spaces where Indigenous voices and experiences are respected and valued.

“Orange Shirt Day is about recognizing and honouring the experiences of survivors,” remarked MLTC Cree vice-chief Richard Derocher. “Sending them (workers) home was like silencing their voices. It’s a reminder of how much work still needs to be done for real change to happen. Reconciliation has to be truthful, respectful and honourable.”

Meanwhile, while campaigning in Prince Albert last week, Premier Scott Moe commented on the Meadow Lake incident, stating the issue has never been off the table in terms of MLTC’s insistence Sept. 30 be made a provincial holiday, adding the concern is Saskatchewan is already among the provinces with the highest number of statutory holidays. As for the wearing of orange shirts in facilities such as the Meadow Lake Courthouse, the premier noted there is a private member’s legislation allowing the wearing of poppies on Remembrance Day. He went on to say this legislation could potentially be extended to allow the wearing of orange shirts on Sept. 30.

“There is a discussion that should be had around that piece of legislation and what happened the other day with the orange shirts being in the courthouse,” Moe said. Moe concluded by saying this discussion not only needs to happen between the province and MLTC, but also with all Indigenous groups throughout Saskatchewan.