In 2021, the Government of Canada officially established September 30th as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR). National Day for Truth and Reconciliation did not replace Orange Shirt Day rather they coexist to reinforce the same message.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is dedicated to honouring Residential School Survivors, their families, and their communities, while ensuring the public commemoration of the history and tragic legacy of Canada’s residential school system remains a core part of the reconciliation process
September 30th was chosen for Orange Shirt Day – Every Child Matters because it is the time of year in which children were historically taken from their homes and their families to Indian residential schools, and because it is an opportunity to set the stage for anti-racism and anti-bullying policies for the coming school year. It is an opportunity for Indigenous peoples, local governments, schools and communities to come together in the spirit of reconciliation and hope for generations of children to come.
Additionally, the annual Orange Shirt Day – Every Child Matters on September 30th opens the door to global conversation on all aspects of Indian residential schools. It is an opportunity to create meaningful discussion about the effects and legacy of the schools, a discussion all Canadians can tune into and create bridges with each other for truth & reconciliation.
The idea of Orange Shirt Day – Every Child Matters was inspired by the personal story of residential school survivor Phyllis Webstad who told the story of her first day at a residential school when her shiny new orange shirt, bought by her grandmother, was taken from her as a six-year old girl.
Her bright orange shirt symbolized love, excitement, and belonging. When it was taken away, it represented how the system tried to strip away identity, culture, and the fundamental truth that Every Child Matters.
Phyllis’s story spread like wildfire, leading to the creation of Orange Shirt Day. What began with one orange shirt has now become a national movement.
How to Participate and Support
- Wear Orange: Wear an orange shirt on September 30th to show solidarity, raise awareness, and honor survivors.
- Buy Official Shirts: Purchase shirts directly from the Orange Shirt Society or verified Indigenous artists. Also, check with local college or University bookstores who sell t-shirts. This ensures the proceeds go toward survivor support and reconciliation initiatives.
- Educate Yourself: Learn about the history of the Canadian residential school system, which impacted over 150,000 First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children between the 1830s and 1996.
- Attend Local Events: Many communities and educational institutions host reflection walks, ceremonies, and educational panels around September 30th.
- Educational Resources: Check out Orange Shirt Day Society for educational guides and curriculum resources at https://orangeshirtday.org/resources/guides/
Respectfully submitted by:
UVAE’s National Human Rights Committee