Orange Shirt Day Fundraiser

Weekly schedule

About this program

This piece was created with my mother’s heart in mind. The design uses Northwest Coast formline to depict a mother bear embracing her child. The mother’s eyes are filled with tears as her cub is being forcibly taken away, both crying, both unwilling to be separated. This design is meant to be worn year-round because truth and reconciliation is not just one day; it is a lifelong commitment to remembering the children, honouring the survivors, and confronting the true history of this land. Christine Mackenzie About the Artist My name is Christine Mackenzie, and I am from the Kwakiutl Nation. I am a First Nation Artist, Facilitator, and Keynote Speaker. I was born in Kelowna, BC, on the unceded territory of the Syilx/Okanagan people. My mother, a member of the Eagle Clan, was born in Bella Coola, BC, and was part of the Sixties Scoop. Because of this, much of my early life was spent searching for cultural identity and reconnection. I grew up in Richmond, BC, on the unceded territories of the Musqueam and Coast Salish peoples. My art is inspired by the natural world and by the connections I build with people who are open to learning and sharing cultural knowledge. I work in both traditional and contemporary styles across multiple mediums. While I have been creating art my entire life, I have been a professional artist and facilitator since 2009, mentored by Anastasia Hendry of the Haida Nation, who brought over 30 years of experience as an artist and facilitator. Today, I dedicate my work to helping others in their own journeys of self-identity, and to educating about Indigenous culture, art, and protocols. I speak from my lived experience and teachings to encourage empathy and understanding when engaging with Indigenous history and culture. I have collaborated with school districts, non-profits, and youth and family organizations across British Columbia, the Yukon, and northern communities, including Chilliwack, Surrey, Langley, Vancouver, Richmond, New Westminster, Coquitlam, Boston Bar, Dease Lake, Telegraph Creek, and Atlin. My work has been featured in five art shows, and I have co-written and illustrated three books. I have also created many commissioned pieces for individuals and organizations. Purchase an orange shirt today at the Mount Pleasant Community Centre located at 1 Kingsway, Vancouver B.C. Shirts are $30 each, additional donations are appreciated. All proceeds go towards funding Indigenous Programs at the Mount Pleasant Community Centre. Mount Pleasant Community Centre is situation on the unceded, ancestral territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.