View source for Orange Shirt Day

'''Orange Shirt Day''' is observed annually on '''September 30''' to honour the Survivors of Canada’s residential school system, the children who never returned home, and their families and communities. The day invites all people in Canada to engage in remembrance, learning, and reconciliation, symbolized by the message: **Every Child Matters**.

== Origins and Meaning ==
Orange Shirt Day was inspired by the story of '''Phyllis (Jack) Webstad''', whose new orange shirt—given to her by her grandmother—was taken away on her first day at a residential school in the 1970s. The orange shirt has since become a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom, and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations.

== Why September 30? ==
The date coincides with the time of year when many Indigenous children were historically taken from their homes to residential schools. It is now a dedicated moment for Canadians to reflect on that legacy and commit to reconciliation in action.

== Connection to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation ==
Since 2021, September 30 has also been recognized federally as the '''National Day for Truth and Reconciliation'''. Many institutions observe both together by:
* Wearing orange and hosting commemorative events
* Offering educational programming about the residential school system
* Creating spaces for Survivors, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers to share truths

== How People Participate ==
* '''Wear orange''' on September 30 and share the message “Every Child Matters”
* Attend community events, teachings, and commemorations
* Read the [[Truth and Reconciliation Commission]]’s findings and the '''94 Calls to Action'''
* Support Indigenous-led organizations, arts, and learning initiatives
* Include land acknowledgements and local histories in schools and workplaces

== Learning and Reflection ==
Orange Shirt Day encourages people to learn about:
* The history and purpose of residential schools
* Intergenerational impacts on First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities
* The importance of language, culture, and self-determination
* Paths for reconciliation—policy change, education, and respectful relationships

== Key Messages ==
* '''Every Child Matters'''—every child deserves safety, love, education, and culture
* Listening to Survivors is essential to truth and reconciliation
* Reconciliation requires ongoing learning and concrete action

== Related Pages ==
* [[Truth and Reconciliation Commission]]
* [[Indigenous Peoples of Canada]]
* [[National Day for Truth and Reconciliation]]
* [[Government of Canada]]
* [[Canadian History]]

== External Links ==
* [https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/national-day-truth-reconciliation.html Government of Canada – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation]
* [https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1524504124015/1557511628343 Crown–Indigenous Relations – Residential Schools in Canada]
* [https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/indigenous-peoples/calls-to-action.html Government of Canada – TRC Calls to Action (resources and education)]