National Truth and Reconciliation Day: Why Wear an Orange Shirt

National Truth and Reconciliation Day, observed on September 30th, is an important event in Canadian history to honour the survivors of residential schools and to reflect on the painful history of Indigenous peoples over the past years. A common way for people to show their support is by wearing an orange shirt.

The orange shirt serves as a symbol of the experience of Indigenous children who were taken from their families and put into residential schools under inhumane living situations. The colour orange was inspired by the story of Phyllis Webstad, a survivor of residential schools. On Webstad’s first day of school,she had a bright new orange shirt that she was excited to wear. When she got to school her new orange shirt was taken away from her. This act represented the loss of culture, identity, and family that many Indigenous children experienced.


Wearing an orange shirt is not just about remembrance, it does not automatically put the past behind us and mean that we are moving on; it’s a powerful statement of solidarity.It is a symbol of your support for the lost Indigenous lives. It encourages conversations about the injustices faced by Indigenous peoples and shows the need for reconciliation. By participating in this day, we acknowledge the past and commit to a future of understanding and respect.

Wearing an orange shirt is a simple yet impactful way to show our support. It reminds us that we all have a role in bringing healing and building a more inclusive society. Since the discovery of unmarked graves on the site of former residential schools in Canada, the orange shirt has become a colour that is worn on this day of year to signify the ongoing traumas caused by Canada.

Wearing an orange shirt on National Truth and Reconciliation Day is a small yet impactful step. It serves as a visual reminder of the work that still needs to be done in addressing the injustices faced by Indigenous peoples. It encourages us to reflect on our own roles in the reconciliation process.

Reconciliation is about building a renewed relationship with Indigenous Peoples based on the recognition of rights, respect and partnership.It is not just wearing an orange shirt. It requires listening to Indigenous voices, supporting their rights, and advocating for systemic change. By wearing our orange shirts and participating in discussions, we can help create a future where every individual’s history and culture are honored and respected.

National Truth and Reconciliation Day is continuously an invitation for all of us to engage in meaningful conversations, educate ourselves, and contribute to a more inclusive society.