By Frank Giorno for www.wachaynews.com
Missanabie Cree First Nation and other First Nations in Mushkegowuk Territory are honoring February 28, 2024 as Pink Shirt Day to raise awareness and eliminate bullying in schools
The last Wednesday of each February is Canada’s national Pink Shirt/anti-bullying day.
Missanabie Cree notified their community members by posting a notice reminding people that February 28th is Pink Shirt Day https://www.missanabiecreefn.com/
Nishnawbe Aski Nation which represents all indigenous communities in Ontario’s Treaty Nine area has also endorsed February 28th as Pink Shirt-Anti-Bullying Day.
Schools, students and members of the community are invited to observe Pink Shirt Anti-Bullying Day by joining in a virtual observation between 10 a.m. and 12 noon at www.youtube.com/@nishnawbeaskination
Canada’s First Indigenous Premier, Wab Kinew, the Premier of Manitoba send out this message in support of Pink Shirt Day. https://fb.watch/q3IRwRCpkB/
In 2012, the United Nations declared May 4 as Anti-Bullying Day.
Background
In 2007, Berwick Nova Scotia, after a new student at their school was bullied for wearing a pink shirt, two grade 12 students bought 50 pink shirts and encouraged their classmates to wear pink. The next day they went to distribute the shirts and to their surprise the majority of students arrived wearing pink! With that act of kindness, Pink Shirt Day was born.
In recognition of the Berwick event, Nova Scotia proclaimed the second Thursday of September “Stand Up Against Bullying Day.” In 2008, British Columbia proclaimed February 27th to be the provincial anti-bullying day, and the movement has continued to grow.
Many countries now recognize specific days for raising awareness about the prevention of bullying and promoting kindness and inclusion. In Canada, many students have heard the Pink Shirt Day message from kindergarten through to their high school graduation. The movement continues to grow.
The WITS Programs Foundation (WPF), a Canadian charitable organization, whose mission is to create safe environments for children and youth
The WPF engages school students with their programs Canadian Kindness Leaders/Mentors canadienne en gentillesse; WITS & LEADS (English) and DIRE & MENTOR (French), and the Pink Shirt Project, introduced in 2022.
The WITS programs are proven to reduce peer victimization (bullying) and have been started in over 1400 elementary schools in Canada and now also in the USA and Europe. Over a hundred thousand children have learned to use their WITS to prevent victimization.
WITS hosts Pink Shirt Day show and offers pink T-shirt sales visit for more information
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