Orange Shirt Day: A Reminder of Our Unfinished Journey

Orange Shirt Day is a reminder of the tragic legacy of residential schools in Canada and the ongoing struggle for reconciliation. It is a day to honour the survivors and their families, and to reflect on the importance of truth and reconciliation in our society.
The Orange Shirt Day movement began in 2013, when Phyllis Webstad shared her story of being taken from her home and forced to attend a residential school. She was only six years old at the time, and her new school was a cold, lonely place. The other children were not allowed to speak their own language or wear their traditional clothing, and they were subjected to physical and emotional abuse.
Phyllis's story is not unique. Thousands of Indigenous children were forcibly removed from their homes and sent to residential schools. These schools were designed to assimilate Indigenous children into white society, and they were often a place of great suffering. Many children were abused, neglected, and even killed.
The legacy of residential schools is still felt today. Many Indigenous people continue to experience the effects of the trauma they suffered, and they face ongoing challenges such as poverty, addiction, and mental illness.
Orange Shirt Day is a day to remember the victims of residential schools and to raise awareness of the ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous people in Canada. It is also a day to celebrate the resilience and strength of Indigenous communities.
There are many ways to participate in Orange Shirt Day. You can wear an orange shirt to show your support, or you can donate to an Indigenous organization. You can also attend a local event or learn more about the history of residential schools.
No matter how you choose to participate, Orange Shirt Day is an important opportunity to remember the past and to commit to a better future for Indigenous people in Canada.
Here are some specific examples of how you can participate in Orange Shirt Day:
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Wear an orange shirt to show your support. You can buy an orange shirt from the Orange Shirt Society or from a local store. You can also make your own orange shirt by tie-dying a white shirt or by using orange fabric paint.
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Attend a local Orange Shirt Day event. Many communities across Canada host Orange Shirt Day events, such as walks, rallies, and powwows. These events are a great way to learn more about the history of residential schools and to show your support for Indigenous communities.
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Donate to an Indigenous organization. You can find a list of Indigenous organizations to support on the Orange Shirt Society website. These organizations provide essential services to Indigenous communities, such as housing, education, and health care.
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Learn more about the history of residential schools. There are many resources available online and at local libraries that can help you learn more about the history of residential schools and the impact they had on Indigenous peoples in Canada.
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Talk to your friends and family about Orange Shirt Day. Help to raise awareness of the history of residential schools and the importance of reconciliation.