Orange Everywhere is the newest initiative aimed at raising awareness in Portage la Prairie about Truth and Reconciliation. This unique program encourages businesses and homes to display orange shirts in their windows.
Lauren McKay, the Indigenous Community Coordinator for the Portage Community Revitalization Corporation, explains that storefront windows along Saskatchewan Avenue will feature orange shirts painted by Indigenous artists.
"Portage MLA Jeff Bereza provided some funds for the Orange Shirt efforts and offered his office as the first to have a shirt painted on the window," says McKay. "He also mentioned it to his wife and asked to be added to the list for home kits. Our home kits will allow people to paint their own T-shirts on their windows at home."
McKay says the program will launch as soon as they finalize the date and ensure the appropriate paint is available, but it will definitely be this month.
"Anyone who is open to participating is more than welcome," she adds.
The initiative aims to support and honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, as well as the ongoing Orange Shirt Day and Every Child Matters campaigns.