Orange Shirt Day

Check out our handout in both English (What is Orange Shirt Day) & French (Qu’est-ce qu’est la journeé du chandail orange?)

Orange Shirt Day happens every year on September 30th.

Join us on September 30th for the Rally for Reconciliation – everyone welcome!

• 🧡 Get inspired by our powerful guest speakers & performers 
• 🧡 Learn more about Orange Shirt Day (National Day for Truth & Reconciliation)
• 🧡 Discover actionable steps you can take towards reconciliation with the First Voice 42 Calls for Change
• 🧡 Make a donation towards First Light’s Residential School Memorial Garden 
• 🧡 Share your personal commitment to reconciliation & why you wear orange on the Reflections on Reconciliation wall
• 🧡 Honour those impacted by the residential school system at the healing fire with your prayers, intentions and tobacco offerings

Can’t attend in person? You can still participate by sharing #whyiwearorange and by visiting whyiwearorange.ca to find other ways of showing support! 

The name originates from the story of Phyllis Webstad, who had her new orange shirt taken away on her first day at a residential school. It symbolizes the loss of culture, identity, and childhood. 

No, Orange Shirt Day is for everyone. It’s an opportunity for all Canadians to learn about the history of residential schools and show support for reconciliation.

Wondering what you can do this year to recognize Orange Shirt Day?

Check out this quick guide: What Can I Do?

1. Wear Orange:
   The simplest way to participate is by wearing an orange shirt on September 30th. It’s a visible sign of your support for reconciliation and remembrance.
2. Educate Yourself:
   Take the time to learn about the history and significance of Orange Shirt Day, residential schools, and Indigenous cultures. Reading books, watching documentaries, and attending educational events can help.
3. Share Knowledge:
   Encourage others to learn about Orange Shirt Day and its importance. Share articles, books, or personal stories to raise awareness among your friends and family.
4. Attend Events:
   Participate in local Orange Shirt Day events, workshops, or ceremonies.
5. Support Indigenous Initiatives:
   Seek out and support Indigenous-led initiatives, organizations, and businesses. Show solidarity by actively engaging with and uplifting Indigenous voices.
6. Advocate for Change:
   Advocate for changes in education, policy, and government actions that promote reconciliation and address the ongoing inequalities faced by Indigenous communities. We suggest visiting First Voice and reading the Calls for Change.
7. Engage in Dialogue:
   Engage in open and respectful conversations with family and friends about the legacy of residential schools. Encourage dialogue, empathy, and understanding.

A great place to start your learning journey is our Indigenous Cultural Diversity Training – we offer sessions for groups as well as public sessions that anyone is welcome to sign up for.

We also have two lists of books specifically on residential schools, that are a great place to start to educate yourself & others – one is targeted toward young readers and one for adults.

1. Continuous Learning:
   Keep educating yourself about Indigenous history, issues, and perspectives beyond Orange Shirt Day. It’s an ongoing process.
2. Support Indigenous Businesses:
   Purchase products and services from Indigenous-owned businesses to contribute to economic empowerment.
3. Amplify Indigenous Voices:
   Share Indigenous art, literature, and voices through your social media and networks to promote cultural appreciation.
4. Volunteer:
   Offer your time and skills to Indigenous organizations and initiatives that promote reconciliation and community well-being.
5. Advocate for Change:
   Advocate for policies and practices that advance reconciliation and Indigenous rights at local, regional, and national levels. 
6. Challenge Stereotypes:
   Challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about Indigenous peoples whenever you encounter them.
7. Be an Ally:
   Be an ally by actively supporting and standing with Indigenous communities in their struggles for justice, equity, and self-determination.

Remember, reconciliation is an ongoing journey, and every effort, no matter how small, contributes to healing and understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.