What is Orange Shirt Day?

Part of living in a country is becoming familiar with the dynamic history and legacies of the nation. Certain Canadian holidays reflect and recognise notable historical events and their impacts.

Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is now more commonly known as Orange Shirt Day. Orange Shirt Day is a statutory holiday to recognise the tragic, painful legacy of the Indian Residential School System.

Orange Shirt Day is a significant effort to raise awareness and educate Canadians (and visitors) about residential schools and the impact of the school system on Indigenous communities for over 100 years.

The History and Impact of Canada’s Residential Schools

Residential schools were established in the late 19th century. The school system was funded by the government and operated by churches, to assimilate Indigenous children into Christian, Euro-Canadian culture. These institutions removed children from their families and communities using force and violence, and subjected them to dehumanising conditions.

The children experienced violent and humiliating disciplinary methods, cultural erasure, and severe abuse. Many children died at the hands of those who ran the schools. The schools prohibited the children from speaking their native languages and practising their traditions. This mistreatment and deaths of Indigenous children, as well as the culturally-destructive practices put the school system in the categories of cultural and ethnic genocide.

The resulting generational trauma of the residential school system continues to affect Indigenous individuals and communities to this day. Ongoing struggles with mental health and community cohesion continue to plague Indigenous communities, signifying a deep need for true reconciliation and healing.

Origins of Orange Shirt Day

At the age of six and unaware of what lay ahead of her, Stswecem'c Xgat'tem Nation's Phyllis Webstad was excited to attend residential school for the first time. For her first day of school, she proudly wore a bright orange shirt that her grandmother bought for her. When she arrived at school the shirt was taken from her by the staff, symbolising the erasure of her identity and culture. The loss of her special shirt was only the beginning of the dehumanising experiences she faced. Phyllis endured harshness and cultural suppression at school, on a daily basis.

Phyllis’ story has become a symbol of the experiences of Indigenous children in residential schools, leading to the establishment of Orange Shirt Day to honour their experiences and promote awareness and reconciliation.

The first official Orange Shirt Day took place on September 30, 2013. The day was initiated by the Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation and gained national recognition as a time to acknowledge and reflect on the experiences of Indigenous children in residential schools.

This inaugural event set the stage for an annual observance aimed at honouring survivors. Schools, communities, and organisations across Canada continue to participate by wearing orange shirts on September 30th, as well as holding events and offering educational activities.

Orange Shirt Day Significance and Purpose

Reconciliation starts with recognition. Orange Shirt Day dedicates a time for reflection, education, and conversations about reconciliation. It encourages Canadians to confront the darker parts of Canadian history, acknowledge the pain and suffering caused by the residential schools, and commit to a future where Indigenous cultures and identities are respected and valued by all. The day joins forces with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, which calls for increased awareness and understanding of the residential school legacy as a critical step toward reconciliation.

How Canadians Observe Orange Shirt Day

If you are wondering how you can show support and participate in honouring residential school survivors, we’ve compiled a list of what goes on on Orange Shirt Day. Communities and organisations across Canada observe Orange Shirt Day by participating in various ways:

• Wearing orange shirts - The most recognised way to spread awareness and show support is by wearing an orange shirt on September 30th.

• Group participation - Schools, workplaces or community groups encourage students, employees and group members to wear an orange shirt in solidarity with survivors and to spark conversations about history and the ongoing impact of the residential school system.

• Public Marches and Protests - An effective way supporters spread the word is by organising a march of protest. Marches and protests generally get a lot of news coverage and spark local and national conversations about relevant issues.

• Educational activities - Many schools include education, workshops or seminars about the history and impact of residential schools into their curricula. Hopefully, in the future, this will be mandatory for all educational institutions.

• Ceremonies and vigils - Ceremonies and vigils are held in some communities to honour the memory of children who attended residential schools. These events may include traditional ceremonial practices such as drumming and singing.

• Public art and exhibits - Artists present installations, murals and exhibits that focus on the experiences of survivors. The art provides an avenue to showcase the visual emotional connection to the stories of survivors.

• Social media campaigns - The message of Orange Shirt Day is spread far and wide through photos, educational content and relevant hashtags on social media platforms.

• Listening to survivors - Dedicating time towards listening to survivors’ stories in the form of recorded testimonies, live events, or books, helps to better understand the depth of trauma and the ongoing path of healing.

• Personal commitments to reconciliation - Everyone is encouraged to examine their role in reconciliation. Personal actions such as self-education, supporting Indigenous rights, and challenging systemic racism go a long way on the path towards true reconciliation. It’s our responsibility as Canadians to support and uplift minority voices.

Orange Shirt Day is a powerful reminder of the need for ongoing education, reflection, and action to support reconciliation and ensure that the injustices of the past are never repeated.

Keep reading:

What is Reconciliation in Canada?

Red Dress Day: Everything You Need to Know

Cultural Festivals in Canada: Celebrating Diversity and Heritage

Navigating Public and Multicultural Holidays in Canada