Every year on September 30th, people across Canada and beyond wear orange shirts to remember and honor the Indigenous children who were forced to attend residential schools. This day, known as Orange Shirt Day, serves as a crucial reminder of the devastating legacy of these schools and a commitment to reconciliation.
The history of Orange Shirt Day is rooted in the personal experience of Phyllis Webstad, a Northern Secwepemc (Shuswap) woman from the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation. In 1973, at the age of six, Phyllis was excited to attend St. Joseph Mission Residential School in Williams Lake, British Columbia. Her grandmother bought her a bright orange shirt for the occasion, but upon arrival, the shirt was taken away from her. This act symbolized the stripping away of Indigenous culture, identity, and self-esteem that was common in these institutions.
Orange Shirt Day is not just a day of remembrance; it is also an opportunity to learn, reflect, and engage in meaningful conversations about the history and ongoing impacts of residential schools. It encourages all people to listen to the stories of survivors and their families, and to work towards a future where such injustices never happen again.
A gathering of people wearing orange shirts on Orange Shirt Day, demonstrating solidarity and remembrance of the Indigenous children affected by residential schools.
The History and Significance of Orange Shirt Day
Phyllis Webstad’s Story: The Origin of Orange Shirt Day
The story of Phyllis Webstad is central to understanding the significance of Orange Shirt Day. Her experience of having her new orange shirt taken away on her first day of residential school is a powerful symbol of the cultural assimilation and loss that Indigenous children endured.
Phyllis’s story sparked a national movement, inspiring people to wear orange shirts as a symbol of solidarity and remembrance. It serves as a constant reminder of the need to address the intergenerational trauma caused by residential schools and to work towards healing and reconciliation.
The Orange Shirt Society continues to promote awareness and education about residential schools, ensuring that the stories of survivors are heard and remembered. Their work is crucial in fostering understanding and empathy, and in promoting reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
Residential Schools in Canada: A Dark Chapter in History
Residential schools were government-sponsored religious schools established to assimilate Indigenous children into Euro-Canadian culture. From the late 19th century to the late 20th century, over 150,000 Indigenous children were forcibly removed from their families and communities and sent to these institutions.
These schools were often characterized by neglect, abuse, and the suppression of Indigenous languages and cultural practices. Children were forbidden from speaking their native languages, practicing their traditions, and even seeing their families for extended periods of time. The impact of these schools on Indigenous communities has been devastating, leading to intergenerational trauma, loss of culture, and a host of social and economic challenges.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) was established in 2008 to investigate the history and legacy of residential schools. The TRC’s final report, released in 2015, documented the widespread abuse and mistreatment that occurred in these schools and called for a national effort to address the ongoing impacts of this dark chapter in Canadian history.
September 30th: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
In 2021, the Canadian government officially designated September 30th as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day coincides with Orange Shirt Day and provides an opportunity for all Canadians to reflect on the history and legacy of residential schools and to honor the survivors, their families, and communities.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a statutory holiday for federal employees and is observed by many provinces and territories. It is a time for education, reflection, and action, as people across the country participate in events and activities that promote reconciliation.
While the day is a time for reflection, it’s also a call to action. Many organizations and communities use this day to launch initiatives, raise awareness, and advocate for policies that support Indigenous rights and well-being. It’s a reminder that reconciliation is an ongoing process that requires sustained effort and commitment from all Canadians.
How to Participate in Orange Shirt Day
Wear an Orange Shirt: A Symbol of Solidarity
Wearing an orange shirt is a simple yet powerful way to show your support for Indigenous people and to honor the survivors of residential schools. The orange shirt serves as a visual reminder of the injustices of the past and a commitment to a better future.
Many organizations and Indigenous artists sell orange shirts, with proceeds often going to support residential school survivors and Indigenous communities. By purchasing an orange shirt, you can contribute to these important initiatives and help raise awareness about the history and legacy of residential schools. You can find related coverage on the CBC website.
When wearing an orange shirt, take the time to learn about the story behind it and to share that story with others. This can help to educate people about the history of residential schools and to promote understanding and empathy.
Attend a Local Event: Show Your Support in Person
Many communities across Canada and beyond hold events on Orange Shirt Day to commemorate the day and to promote reconciliation. These events may include ceremonies, workshops, film screenings, and cultural performances.
Attending a local event is a great way to show your support for Indigenous people and to learn more about their culture and history. It also provides an opportunity to connect with others who are committed to reconciliation and to work together towards a better future.
Check with your local Indigenous organizations, community centers, or municipal government to find out about events happening in your area. By participating in these events, you can demonstrate your solidarity and contribute to the healing process.
Educate Yourself and Others: Learn About Residential Schools
One of the most important things you can do on Orange Shirt Day is to educate yourself and others about the history and legacy of residential schools. This includes learning about the experiences of survivors, the impact of the schools on Indigenous communities, and the ongoing challenges that Indigenous people face today.
There are many resources available to help you learn about residential schools, including books, documentaries, websites, and museums. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s final report is a comprehensive resource that provides a detailed account of the history and legacy of residential schools.
Share what you learn with others, whether it’s through conversations with friends and family, social media posts, or presentations at school or work. By raising awareness about residential schools, you can help to ensure that this dark chapter in history is never forgotten and that steps are taken to prevent such injustices from happening again.
The Ongoing Impact and the Path to Reconciliation
Intergenerational Trauma: The Lingering Effects of Residential Schools
The trauma experienced by residential school survivors has had a profound and lasting impact on Indigenous communities. This trauma has been passed down through generations, leading to a range of social and economic challenges, including poverty, addiction, and mental health issues.
Addressing intergenerational trauma requires a holistic approach that includes culturally appropriate healing programs, mental health support, and efforts to revitalize Indigenous languages and cultural practices. It also requires addressing the systemic inequalities that continue to affect Indigenous communities.
By understanding the impact of intergenerational trauma, we can work towards creating a more just and equitable society for Indigenous people. This includes supporting initiatives that promote healing, cultural revitalization, and self-determination.
The Importance of Truth and Reconciliation
Truth and reconciliation are essential for building a better future for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Canada. Truth involves acknowledging the history and legacy of residential schools and the injustices that Indigenous people have faced. Reconciliation involves building respectful relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and working together to address the ongoing impacts of colonialism.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s 94 Calls to Action provide a roadmap for reconciliation. These calls to action address a wide range of issues, including child welfare, education, language and culture, health, and justice.
Implementing the TRC’s Calls to Action requires a collective effort from governments, organizations, and individuals. It requires a commitment to listening to Indigenous voices, respecting Indigenous rights, and working together to create a more just and equitable society.
Moving Forward: Building a Better Future Together
Orange Shirt Day is a reminder that reconciliation is an ongoing process that requires sustained effort and commitment from all Canadians. It is a time to reflect on the past, acknowledge the present, and work towards a better future.
By wearing an orange shirt, attending a local event, educating ourselves and others, and supporting Indigenous-led initiatives, we can all contribute to the healing process and help to build a more just and equitable society for Indigenous people.
The NHL is also committed to promoting truth and reconciliation, recognizing Orange Shirt Day as part of making Canada whole again. Their involvement helps to raise awareness and promote understanding of the issues facing Indigenous communities.
Key Takeaways
- Orange Shirt Day, observed annually on September 30th, commemorates the experiences of Indigenous children forced to attend residential schools.
- The day originated from the story of Phyllis Webstad, whose orange shirt was taken from her on her first day at a residential school.
- Wearing an orange shirt symbolizes solidarity with Indigenous people and honors residential school survivors.
- The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation coincides with Orange Shirt Day, providing an opportunity for reflection and action.
- Reconciliation is an ongoing process that requires education, understanding, and commitment from all Canadians.
FAQ About Orange Shirt Day
What is the purpose of Orange Shirt Day?
Orange Shirt Day is a day to remember and honor the Indigenous children who were forced to attend residential schools in Canada. It serves as a reminder of the devastating legacy of these schools and a commitment to reconciliation.
Why is it called Orange Shirt Day?
The name comes from the experience of Phyllis Webstad, who had her new orange shirt taken away from her on her first day at a residential school. The orange shirt symbolizes the loss of culture, identity, and self-esteem that Indigenous children experienced in these institutions.
How can I participate in Orange Shirt Day?
You can participate by wearing an orange shirt, attending a local event, educating yourself and others about residential schools, and supporting Indigenous-led initiatives.
What is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation?
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a statutory holiday in Canada, observed on September 30th. It provides an opportunity for all Canadians to reflect on the history and legacy of residential schools and to honor the survivors, their families, and communities.
The expansion of funds dedicated to Orange Shirt Day initiatives, such as the $1 million fund by Wab Kinew, demonstrates a growing commitment to supporting these important educational and commemorative efforts.
