Orange Shirt Day

*The artwork chosen to represent the day of remembrance and reflection this year was designed by Emily, a Grade 2 student from Coldstream, BC.

September 30th is Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. A day to honour the Residential School survivors, their families and communities and to recognize the many forms of harm the residential school system has inflicted on Indigenous Children and their families.

Orange Shirt Day began on September 30, 2013 when Phyllis Webstad from the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation first publicly shared her residential school experience. Phyllis’ Granny bought her a brand new shiny orange shirt for Phyllis to wear on her first day of school. Six year old Phyllis was very excited to go to school and to wear her new shirt. On her first day at St. Joseph’s Residential School in Williams Lake, BC, Phyllis’s shiny new orange shirt was taken from her and never seen again.

A total of 130 schools operated between 1831 and 1996. Over 150,000 First Nations, Métis and Inuit children were forced to attend residential school during this period. Thousands died either at school, or because of their experiences in the system. Many more remain missing.

Listen to Phyllis’ Story:

Every Child Matters

On this September 30th, we ask you to join us to listen to the stories of survivors and their families and to remember those that didn’t make it.

Here are some ways you can show your support leading up to and on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day:

  • Wear an orange shirt as a sign of support — Purchase a shirt from the Orange Shirt Society
  • Educate yourself on the history of Indigenous Peoples and Canada’s Residential Schools. One place to start is the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.
  • Attend the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation event at Grandview Park on Sept 30th from 12–3 pm. Gather in community to honour Survivors, remember the children who never returned home, and recognize the strength and resilience of Indigenous communities. The day will include cultural and contemporary performances, an Indigenous market, and an Honour Walk from the Vancouver Aboriginal Community Policing Centre to Grandview Park.
  • Join Indigenous artists at Place des Arts for a free community event on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This is an opportunity to join artists Christine Mackenzie and Nova Weipert as they share their personal stories, reflect on their journeys and showcase their unique artforms. Create a small art piece to take home as a meaningful reflection of the day. Sept 30th, Place des Arts, Coquitlam, various times.
  • Join the Intergenerational March at UBC Vancouver Campus on Sept 30th. 
  • Talk to your child about Residential Schools. There are some great resources to help start the conversation, like this book list with age-appropriate reading options, or this Molly of Denali episode about the topic told with simplicity and sensitivity for children ages 4–8. There’s also a child-friendly version of the TRC calls to action.

There is a Canada wide FNMI crisis line for those who need support 1–855-242‑3310  and In BC there is the KUU-U5 crisis line: Adults 230 ‑723‑4050,  Youth 250–723-2040 or 1–800-588‑8717