Unpacking the Significance of Orange Shirt Day and the Meaning Behind the 2024 Shirt Design.
Wearing an orange shirt on September 30th is more than just a fashion statement. It demonstrates your commitment to Reconciliation and that Every Child Matters. In today’s blog, we’ll be unpacking why.
Orange Shirt Day takes place annually on September 30th and calls on Canadians to wear orange to honour those who survived Residential Schools and remember those who never returned home.
Wearing orange shirts was inspired by Phyllis (Jack) Webstad’s experience of having her orange shirt stripped from her on her first day attending a Residential School in Williams Lake, BC at 6 years old. Phyllis bravely shared her story at a St. Joseph Mission (SJM) Residential School (1891-1981) Commemoration Project and Reunion event in 2013. The colour orange reminded Phyllis of this heart wrenching experience and that her feelings didn’t matter. Now, as a result of Phyllis sharing her experience, orange shirts have become a symbol of hope, a demonstration that Every Child Matters and a way to spark important conversations about Residential Schools.
This year’s Orange Shirt Day design is full of meaning and was designed by Aliyah Bautista, a grade 11 student from Ponoka, Alberta. Aliyah’s design features a child in the middle of the shirt to represent the “I” in child and to also honour the survivors and those who have been lost as a result of Residential Schools. By wearing our official Orange Shirt Day shirts, you’ll help promote the truth that Every Child Matters, every day and everywhere.