Orange Shirt Day
History of the Orange shirt
Orange Shirt Day is a legacy of this project. As spokesperson for the Reunion group leading up to the events, former student Phyllis (Jack) Webstad told her story of her first day at residential school when her shiny new orange shirt, bought by her grandmother, was taken from her as a six-year old girl.
The annual Orange Shirt Day on September 30th opens the door to global conversation on all aspects of Residential Schools. It is an opportunity to create meaningful discussion about the effects of Residential Schools and the legacy they have left behind. A discussion all Canadians can tune into and create bridges with each other for reconciliation. A day for survivors to be reaffirmed that they matter, and so do those that have been affected. Every Child Matters, even if they are an adult, from now on.
The date was chosen because it is the time of year in which children were taken from their homes to residential schools, and because it is an opportunity to set the stage for anti-racism and anti-bullying policies for the coming school year. It is an opportunity for First Nations, local governments, schools and communities to come together in the spirit of reconciliation and hope for generations of children to come.
OUR MISSION
To support our Local secwepemc Nations right here in the Interior British Columbia
Early Years (Aboriginal Head Start)
Providing Head Start programming and daycare services to 0-6-year-olds in Stswecem’c (Canoe Creek). We promote school readiness by enhancing children’s social and cognitive development through education, health, nutrition, social and other services for children and their families with a foundation of tradition and culture.
Local Artists Design for Orange Shirt Day - "Every Child Matters"
Help spread awareness on Orange Shirt Day with our exclusive "Every Child Matters" T-shirt & Hoodies, featuring a powerful design by local artists.
This Soft Style t-shirt is crafted from premium materials, ensuring a comfortable and stylish fit that honors the significance of the day.
Features:
Soft Style Fabric: Made from a high-quality, soft blend of cotton and polyester, offering a gentle touch on the skin and durability for everyday wear.
Local Artist Design: Showcasing a meaningful and heartfelt design by our talented local Indigenous artists, highlighting the importance of the "Every Child Matters" movement.
Comfortable Fit: Tailored for a relaxed and comfortable fit, making it perfect for all-day wear.
Vibrant Print: Utilizing advanced printing techniques to ensure the design remains vibrant and eye-catching.
Support a Cause: By purchasing this t-shirt, you are supporting the "Every Child Matters" movement and contributing to raising awareness and fostering reconciliation.
Join us in honoring the legacy and resilience of Indigenous communities by wearing this special edition t-shirt on Orange Shirt Day and beyond.
Your support helps to spread the message that every child matters, every day.
Orange shirt day support raised
Orange shirt day support raised
Orange Shirt Day is a legacy of the St. Joseph Mission (SJM) Residential School (1891-1981) Commemoration Project and Reunion events that took place in Williams Lake, BC, Canada, in May 2013. This project was the vision of Esketemc (Alkali Lake) Chief Fred Robbins, who is a former student himself. It brought together former students and their families from the Secwepemc, Tsilhqot’in, Southern Dakelh and St’at’imc Nations along with the Cariboo Regional District, the Mayors and municipalities, School Districts and civic organizations in the Cariboo Region.
The events were designed to commemorate the residential school experience, to witness and honour the healing journey of the survivors and their families, and to commit to the ongoing process of reconciliation. Chief Justice Murray Sinclair challenged all of the participants to keep the reconciliation process alive, and as a result of the realization that every former student had similar stories.
Orange Shirt Day is a legacy of this project. As spokesperson for the Reunion group leading up to the events, former student Phyllis (Jack) Webstad told her story of her first day at residential school when her shiny new orange shirt, bought by her grandmother, was taken from her as a six-year old girl.
The Orange Shirt Society was formed in Williams Lake by the founders of Orange Shirt Day to encourage and support communities to recognize Orange Shirt Day and to support reconciliation events and activities. Our goal is to create awareness of the individual, family and community inter-generational impacts of Indian Residential Schools through Orange Shirt Day activities, and to promote the concept of “Every Child Matters”.
