Blue and white are the official colors of La Conner Schools – except two weeks ago, on Sept. 30, when orange shirts were worn instead.

And, very likely, annually going forward.

The change in garb was no mere fashion statement.

It was intended to build public awareness of the atrocities and ensuing historical trauma linked to prior forced attendance and assimilation to white culture imposed upon Indigenous students at residential schools in the U.S. and Canada.

The La Conner School Board, following an impassioned presentation last month by district community and cultural liaison Claris...