4 Minutes - Article
Honouring survivors, remembering the children.
What is this and why is it important?
Orange Shirt Day is a recognized National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This happens once a year on September 30th to remember and honour those who endured residential schools and were impacted by it to this day. This would also be recognized as the “Every Child Matters” campaign that stands today.
The story of why it's called Orange Shirt Day
Back in 1973, Phyllis Webstad was only 6 years old when she attended a residential school. She went to the store with her grandmother and picked out a bright, bold, and beautiful orange shirt to show her excitement for starting ‘school’… After she was placed in the care of the ‘teachers’ of the school, she was stripped of all her belongings, including her orange shirt, identity, culture, and voice.
This is the reminder for all the children that attended these “schools”, that it was not the end of protecting our children and our culture. But the beginning to a true story of resilience and courage of our Indigenous peoples in the years to come. A story and campaign that we now recognize as Orange Shirt Day.
What can I do to support this day?
On September 30th, we ask everyone to:
- Wear an orange shirt
- Engage in community events
- Educate yourself and others on the day’s importance
- Or make a donation to the campaign
For more information on this, you can visit: Orange Shirt Day