Orange Shirt Day, observed on September 30th in Canada, is a day to raise awareness about the history and legacy of the residential school system. It honors the survivors and remembers the Indigenous children who were forcibly taken from their families and placed in these schools, where many experienced abuse, neglect, cultural assimilation, and death.
The day originates from the story of Phyllis (Jack) Webstad, a residential school survivor. At the age of six, Phyllis had her brand-new orange shirt taken away on her first day at school, symbolizing the loss of identity and culture experienced by many Indigenous children. As children were provided school clothes with no attachment to home.
In an act of Reconciliation September 30th was also declared the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by the Canadian government in 2021, further emphasizing the importance of this day for reflecting on Canada’s past and acknowledging the impact of colonialism on Indigenous peoples. On this day, many Canadians wear orange shirts in solidarity and remembrance.
