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Student invokes bear to represent Indigenous strength

Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools project
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Artwork by Grade 8 student Deneen Hawryszko will represent Orange Shirt Day at Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools. (Photo contributed)

Artwork by Grade 8 student Deneen Hawryszko will shine a light on a dark chapter in the nation’s history.

Orange Shirt Day, on Wednesday, is about remembering the First Nation residential school experience and the importance of reconciliation.

Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools said students and staff recognize Orange Shirt Day to show a collective commitment to ensuring that every child matters.

A division-wide call for artwork went out at the beginning of June to give students the opportunity to develop an understanding of what Orange Shirt Day is all about.

In her work, the St. Thomas Aquinas Middle School student used a bear as a sign of strength.

“The circle the bear is inside also is a symbol of the moon, which represents many things, like protection and grandmother moon, who is the leader of feminine life, which is a nod to the missing and murdered Indigenous women today,” said Hawryszko in a statement.



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