Each year on September 30, people across Canada wear orange to honour residential school survivors, remember the children who never returned home, and recognize the enduring impacts the residential school system continues to have on Indigenous peoples, families, and communities.
At Pacific Coastal Airlines, connecting communities has always been at the heart of who we are. As a British Columbia-based airline, we have the privilege of operating on the traditional territories of many Indigenous Nations and flying through regions with deep and enduring Indigenous histories, cultures, and connections.
Our responsibility extends beyond transporting passengers from one destination to another. Every flight is an opportunity to connect people, cultures, traditions, and stories. Recognizing the importance of listening, learning, and building meaningful relationships with the communities we serve is the biggest part of who we are.
This year, we took the initiative to design our own Truth and Reconciliation pins to make an even deeper connection with the Indigenous communities and their history.
As part of the design, an orange child’s handprint serves as a tribute to Phyllis Webstad and her advocacy for Indigenous children. The orange colour directly references the orange shirt that was taken away from Phyllis on her first day at residential school.
The handprint represents Phyllis as a child, while also symbolizing her continued work to advocate for Indigenous children and help ensure that no child experiences the same injustices.
In front of the handprint is the silhouette of a young Indigenous child, representing the children who were affected by the residential school system. This serves as a visual reminder of who we strive to honour and reconcile for. Beside the child is a feather, which represents honour, strength, and connection in many Indigenous cultures. In this design, the feather also symbolizes the children’s roots and their connection to their cultures and communities.
The slogan, “Every Child Matters,” honours the children who survived residential schools, those who never made it home, and the ongoing intergenerational impacts experienced by Indigenous communities to this day.
As a whole, the design incorporates Phyllis Webstad’s advocacy while calling on us to reflect on the experiences of Indigenous children in residential schools and the lasting impact of this history. Every Child Matters, no matter who they are!
Since our beginnings, Pacific Coastal Airlines has supported Indigenous initiatives through scholarships, charitable partnerships, career development opportunities, and community programs. To this day, we remain committed to fostering opportunities that contribute to stronger and more inclusive communities.