Orange Shirt Day: A Symbol of Reconciliation and Remembrance

On September 30th, Canadians observe Orange Shirt Day, a powerful symbol of reconciliation and remembrance for the thousands of Indigenous children who were forced to attend residential schools. These schools were a dark chapter in our country's history, where children were stripped of their language, culture, and identity.
The Orange Shirt Day movement began with a story told by Phyllis Webstad, a Northern Secwepemc woman who was six years old when she arrived at St. Joseph's Residential School in British Columbia. On her first day, her new classmates made fun of her shiny new orange shirt, a gift from her grandmother. The shirt was taken away from her and she never saw it again.
Phyllis's story resonated with many Indigenous people who had similar experiences in residential schools. The orange shirt became a symbol of the loss and trauma they endured. In 2013, the first Orange Shirt Day was held to raise awareness of the residential school system and its impact on Indigenous communities.
Today, Orange Shirt Day is an important day for reflection and reconciliation. It is a time to remember the children who were lost and to acknowledge the resilience of those who survived. It is also a time to commit ourselves to building a more just and equitable society for all Indigenous people.
There are many ways to participate in Orange Shirt Day. You can wear an orange shirt, attend an event in your community, or donate to an Indigenous organization. You can also take some time to learn more about the history of residential schools and the impact they had on Indigenous communities.
By participating in Orange Shirt Day, we can help raise awareness of the residential school system and its legacy. We can also show our support for Indigenous communities and work towards building a more inclusive and just society.
As we honor Orange Shirt Day, let us remember the words of Phyllis Webstad: "Every child matters."