The District of Central Saanich is painting two crosswalks at West Saanich Road and Clarke Road ahead of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in September.
The orange crosswalks lead to HEL,HILEȻ, a popular park in Brentwood Bay on the traditional territory of the W̱SÁNEĆ peoples. The District intends to add a feather design to the crosswalks later this summer.
The project was developed with input from the W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership School, which worked with the District in 2025 to identify the location and design, and encourages reflection and conversation about the ongoing impacts of the residential school system.
Orange has become a national symbol of remembrance and learning through Orange Shirt Day and the message that “Every Child Matters.” The movement was inspired by the story of Phyllis Webstad, whose orange shirt was taken from her on her first day at residential school. Today, the colour honours survivors, commemorates children who never returned home, and recognizes the loss of identity, culture and belonging experienced by Indigenous children and families.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day are observed annually on September 30. The day is an opportunity to honour residential school survivors, remember the children who never came home and reflect on the lasting impacts of residential schools on Indigenous peoples, families and communities.