Orange Shirt Day is a special day in Canada, observed every year on September 30th. It is a day to remember the history and impact of Residential Schools on Indigenous children and their families.
The day started in 2013 in Williams Lake, British Columbia. It was inspired by Phyllis Webstad, who was six years old when she went to her first day at a residential school. Her grandmother had given her a new orange shirt, but it was taken away from her on that first day.
In 2015, the Orange Shirt Society was created to help raise awareness about Residential Schools and their lasting effects on individuals, families, and communities. The society encourages Canadians to wear an orange shirt on September 30th as a symbol of remembrance and support for survivors.
Orange Shirt Day is not only about remembering the past. It is also a day to learn from history and work toward reconciliation.
Written by: K. Milhomens
