Why We Wear Orange
September 30 is Orange Shirt Day, a day where we wear orange to remember our Residential School Survivors, their families, and those who never returned home. It serves as a powerful reminder of the lingering impacts Residential School systems have on Indigenous families and communities.
Orange Shirt Day was inspired by Phyllis Webstad’s story of her first day at residential school when her brand-new orange shirt was taken away from her when she was six-years old. Her shirt taken away represents how the system tried to remove a child’s identity and culture, an effect that can still be felt across generations. Today Orange Shirt Day symbolizes belonging and that Every Child Matters. Her story spread and helped other survivors be heard leading to the creation of Orange Shirt Day.
September 30th was chosen due to it historically being the time of year when children were taken from their families and sent to Indian residential schools.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is also observed on September 30th. It was established in response to Call to Action 80 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. For the Canadian federal government collaborating with Indigenous Peoples to create a holiday for survivors and their families. To ensure that the history of residentials schools to be publicly remembered. Bill C-5 established the Canadian National Day for Truth and Reconciliations a federal statutory holiday.
On September 30, we invite our community to wear orange, take time to learn, and remember the children and survivors whose stories must not be forgotten.
