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CP Paints Locomotive to Honor Residential School Victims

The specially painted locomotive was the brainchild of 13-year-old Jacob Hoffer, an Indigenous youth, who wrote the railroad asking that they paint a locomotive to mark the occasion. Photo Courtesy of Canadian Pacific. 

CP Paints Locomotive to Honor Residential School Victims

By Railfan & Railroad Staff

CALGARY — Canadian Pacific Railway has painted an ES44AC locomotive to mark Canada’s first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day to remember the injustices of the country’s residential school system. The locomotive made its debut at CP headquarters in Calgary, Alberta, this week and will soon enter regular freight service. 

Starting in the 1830s, the government forcibly separated Indigenous children from their families and sent them to residential schools where they tried to assimilate them into Canadian society. Many children within the residential school system were beaten and sexually abused and thousands are believed to have died while in the government system. Earlier this year, the government designated September 30, also known as Orange Shirt Day, a national day of remembrance. To raise awareness of the legacy of Canada’s residential schools, people wear orange shirts. 

The locomotive, CP 8757, is painted orange and has the words “Every Child Matters” written along the side along with the Orange Shirt Society logo and website. The specially painted locomotive was the brainchild of 13-year-old Jacob Hoffer, an Indigenous youth, who wrote the railroad asking that they paint a locomotive to mark the occasion. Hoffer and his mother were on hand this week for the unveiling, along with representatives of the Orange Shirt Society. 

“The orange locomotive is a symbol of CP’s commitment and willingness to participate in the reconciliation process with Indigenous Canadians,” said Jerome Beauchamp, president of the Orange Shirt Society. “This is exciting, and provides CP, as a corporation, an opportunity to learn more and continue to act on its commitment to move reconciliation with Indigenous Canadians forward. We at the Orange Shirt Society are excited to partner with CP and would love to help CP along its journey.” 

This article was posted on: September 29, 2021