Madam Speaker, the reason you see so much pink around the House today is because today we are acknowledging Pink Shirt Day, a day to reflect on how we treat one another.
Two brave teenagers in Nova Scotia sparked Pink Shirt Day 15 years ago after a male student in their school was harassed for wearing a pink shirt. The next morning, David Shepherd and Travis Price handed out pink shirts to all the male students. Now, Pink Shirt Day is a calltoaction for schools, communities, and workplaces to wear pink in solidarity against bullying.
Pink Shirt Day will be held nationally next week on February 22, 2023. The campaign reminds us to "lift each other up", not just on Pink Shirt Day or the month of February, but every day. It encourages us to be kind and inclusive, and not tolerate bullying.
Madam Speaker, it is important that our schools and communities are safe spaces for our young residents. The Department of Education, Culture and Employment, and our education partners, follow the principles of inclusive schooling. That directive is meant to ensure that our schools, educators and programming meet the diverse needs of our students, in a way that is responsive, accepting, respectful, and supportive. ECE is also working with the Department of Health and Social Services to evaluate the child and youth counselling program. Child and youth counsellors are in Northwest Territories schools and communities to provide mental health and wellness services to children, youth, and their families. This evaluation will help us improve those supports and ensure they are accessible, effective, and meeting the needs of our youth.
Madam Speaker, Pink Shirt Day is also a reminder to applaud what makes us unique. It is especially important here in the North, where we share so many different cultures, traditions and languages, that we embrace our identities and accept our neighbours for who they are.
I recently heard a great example of this from a school in the Beaufort Delta. The school was holding a presentation on ending antiBlack racism, and the students learned that we should celebrate our differences. A junior kindergarten student asked two teachers in the room to compare skin tones with her, to see how they all were. Then she wanted to celebrate their differences with a hug. I am told this was a powerful indicator that this very young student understood the message of the presentation. I also understand that our regional inclusive schooling coordinators have other stories about students across the NWT showing bravery, standing up for one another, and supporting their peers. Let these students' actions be a lesson to all of us. Speak up when you see something that is wrong. Help out a friend, colleague, or stranger in need. Choose kindness, acceptance and compassion, and continue to "lift each other up." Thank you, Madam Speaker.
