The act of wearing an orange shirt is not a frivolous tradition to honour the tragic history of this country, but it is a significant, and powerful reminder of the cruel and painful injustices thrusted onto Indigenous children for over 160 years in residential schools. By wearing our orange shirts, we make a promise to the Canada of the future to be better, and to learn from our past mistakes. This tradition symbolizes our allegiance to collective healing, and recognition of our twisted past. 

 

Why Orange Shirts?

The particularity of the orange shirt may seem random, but this symbol represents the pain and suffering of a young girl, facing the horrors of the residential schooling system. In 1973, six-year-old Phyllis Webstad was placed in St. Joseph Mission Residential School. Her most cherished item, gifted by her grandmother, was an orange shirt. This miniscule expression was against the strict, totalitarian rules of the school, was banned, and her orange shirt was taken away. 

 

This orange shirt does not symbolize a girl losing her shirt, but losing her culture, her dignity, her heritage. Sadly this was not the outcome for Phyllis alone, but the harsh reality of the lives of countless Indigenous children, stripped of their humanity at the hands of the residential schools claiming to be in their best interest. By merely wearing our orange shirts on this day, we promise to never inflict this pain and cruelty on another child, ever again.

Phyllis’ Legacy

In 2013, Phyllis was asked to speak at a commemoration for St. Joseph Mission Residential School. While brainstorming, she remembered her story from the first day at St. Joseph’s from when they stripped her of her orange shirt. Her emotional speech was felt throughout the nation, and Phyllis encountered waves of support. Her story, relatable to all victims of residential schooling, and touching, inspired millions across the country. A day was designated for National Truth & Reconciliation. September 30th, the country will don orange shirts and remember our past of injustice, in order to further heal. 

 

What YOU can do

• Join us today in wearing orange 

• Educate yourself and learn about residential schools. The first step in healing is recognition. https://nctr.ca/education/teaching-resources/residential-school-history/ 

• Teach others and advocate this cause.

• Donate to Indigenous communities/causes. 

https://fncaringsociety.com/donate 

https://raventrust.com/donate/ 

https://nwac.ca/donate