Tuesday, Sept. 30 marks Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Orange Shirt Day honors Indigenous children who were sent to residential schools and recognizes the ongoing impacts on survivors and their communities. This day originated from Phyllis Jack Webstad’s story of when her new orange shirt was taken away on her first day at residential school in 1973. This experience would come to symbolize the loss of Indigenous identity and culture.
Wear Orange:
We encourage our community to wear orange in honor and recognition of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools.
How to Participate:
- Wear orange on Tuesday, Sept. 30
- Learn about residential school history
- Share #EveryChildMatters
Why Orange?
- Represents loss of culture and identity
- Symbolizes hope and healing
- Shows our commitment to “Every Child Matters”
The Office of Inclusive Excellence and Belonging and Amplifying Indigenous Voices encourages our community to further explore the resources below about Orange Shirt Day.
Websites:
- Orange Shirt Society
- Every Child Matters. September 30 is Orange Shirt Day | Cultural Survival
Videos:
- What is Orange Shirt Day?
- Orange Shirt Day in Canada
- Eddy Charlie shares his story of survival for Orange Shirt Day
Future programs amplifying Indigenous peoples, voices, and experiences:
- Indigenous Garden Unveiling, Oct. 13, 1 p.m.–1:30 p.m. (GSU Lawn)
- Threads of Tradition: Indigenous Beading Workshop, Oct. 17, noon–2 p.m. (GSU Hawk Lounge)
- Sugarcane Film Screening, Nov. 14, 2 p.m.–5 p.m. (Auerbach Auditorium, Hillyer Hall)
Sponsored by Amplifying Indigenous Voices and the Office of Inclusive Excellence and Belonging.