September 30th is Orange Shirt Day
- Wear an orange shirt or something orange (if you’re buying a shirt, make sure the proceeds support Indigenous groups)
- Take time to learn more about Canada’s Indian Residential Schools (there are books and resources below)
- Talk to children about residential schools.
Why is it important for Canadians to recognize and respect Orange Shirt Day?
Orange Shirt Day is a national movement and annual event in Canada. During this day Indigenous and non-Indigenous people come together in the spirit of hope and reconciliation to honour residential school survivors, their families, and communities.
What does the orange shirt mean to Canadians?
Orange Shirt Day was created as an opportunity to discuss the effects of residential schools and their legacy. It honours the experiences of Indigenous Peoples, celebrates resilience and affirms a commitment that every child matters. Carolyn Ali is a writer for UBC’s Brand and Marketing.
Is it OK to wear orange on Canada day?
Wear orange and support local
While it may seem simple, wearing orange on September 30 makes an impact — it’s a way for people to show support and acknowledge their understanding and recognition of what the day represents.
How do you support an Orange Shirt Day?
September 30th is Orange Shirt Day
- Wear an orange shirt or something orange (if you’re buying a shirt, make sure the proceeds support Indigenous groups)
- Take time to learn more about Canada’s Indian Residential Schools (there are books and resources below)
- Talk to children about residential schools.
Why is it important to acknowledge orange shirts?
This day acknowledges that residential schools are a part of our history. Wearing an orange shirt is a national movement to recognize the experience of those who went to Indian residential schools, to honour them, and show a collective commitment to ensure that Every Child Matters.
Why are people wearing orange in Canada?
Wear orange
The orange shirt is a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations. On September 30, we encourage all Canadians to wear orange to honour the thousands of Survivors of residential schools.
What does orange represent for Canada Day?
the residential school system
Every year on September 30, people across Canada wear orange and participate in Orange Shirt Day events to recognize and raise awareness about the history and legacies of the residential school system in Canada. Orange Shirt Day originates from the story of Phyllis Webstad from the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation.
Why does orange represent Indigenous?
The purpose of wearing orange is to show a unified step towards reconciliation and building stronger relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
Why are people wearing orange instead of red on Canada Day?
The orange shirt is thus used as a symbol of the forced assimilation of Indigenous children that the residential school system enforced. The day was elevated to a statutory holiday by the Parliament of Canada in 2021, in light of the revelations of over 1,000 unmarked graves near former residential school sites.
Is it appropriate to wear an orange shirt on National Indigenous day?
This date is an opportunity to educate people and promote awareness about the Indian Residential School system and the impact this system had on Indigenous communities for more than a century in Canada, and which still does today. Canadians are encouraged to wear an orange shirt on this day.
How do you explain Orange Shirt Day to kids?
It’s a day to honour children that survived residential school, and to remember the lives that were lost. Wearing orange is a symbol of respect and mourning. This year, September 30 also marks the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
How do you commemorate residential schools?
September 30 is a day of commemoration. Every year since 2013, Orange Shirt Day has aimed to raise awareness of the Indian residential school system in Canada. The federal government has now officially marked the date as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and the BC government has followed suit.
How do I donate to orange shirt society?
Donations can be made by credit card online, or by cheque and mailed to Orange Shirt Society, PO Box 4240, Williams Lake, BC V2G 2V3. We also accept e-transfer: [email protected].
Where can I buy an orange shirt to support indigenous people?
For those looking to buy an orange shirt that supports Indigenous organizations or artists, here is where you can get one.
- Old’s Cool General Store.
- Native Canadian Centre of Toronto.
- Aaniin.
- Native Arts Society.
- Resist Clothing.
- Canadian Tire.
- Walmart.
- Sunnybrook Gift Shop.
What is the significance of September 30 in Canada?
September 30 is Orange Shirt Day, Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It is an annual day of remembrance to mark the history and intergenerational impacts of residential and day schools and to honour their survivors, including Phyllis Webstad, whose story sparked a national movement.
What is the slogan for Orange Shirt Day?
Every Child Matters
Every year, Canada observes September 30 as Orange Shirt Day. Residents show their support by wearing orange-coloured clothes and businesses incorporate the colour on their buildings. You would have also noticed the slogan “Every Child Matters” on t-shirts, social media, and signage.
How do we celebrate orange day?
Wear orange
Celebrate this day by simply wearing orange. Take a picture and upload it, tell people why you are wearing orange, and include the official hashtags for the day to create as much engagement as possible.
What should I wear to Indigenous peoples day?
In honor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and to recognize a growing movement that examines our past trauma, it’s important to acknowledge a colorful global trend. September 30 is “Orange Shirt Day” in Canada, a day to remember the history and legacies of the residential school system for First Nations people.
What movement does orange symbolize?
we wear orange for a future free from gun violence
We deserve more. Raise awareness by participating in Wear Orange online and in your community.
What does the orange ribbon mean Indigenous?
the loss of childhood innocence
The campaign was developed with consideration for indigenous traditions, as the colour orange is recognized as a symbol of the loss of childhood innocence, and disconnection from family in Indigenous experiences. It is also common practice in Indigenous cultures to tie ribbons to tree trunks as a memorial marker.