Remi Poliquin
Counsel
Orange Shirts, Every Child, Truth, and Reconciliation
by Patricia Aldred
On September 30, Canadians were encouraged to wear orange in honour of Residential School Survivors and their families, and in remembrance of the children who never returned home. It is also an opportunity to affirm the enduring message that EVERY CHILD MATTERS. Public commemoration of this tragic chapter in Canada’s history helps us remember, learn, and contribute to the ongoing work of Truth and Reconciliation.
A Living Reminder
Several years ago, an Eastern White Pine was planted at the school board’s Head Office as a symbol of our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation. This year, we invited our school board community to return to the tree to help tend to it and add a visible reminder of our ongoing commitment.
People were invited to refresh the mulch at the base of the tree and, as a personal gesture, tie a ribbon onto a branch. Like wearing orange, the ribbons created a visible expression of remembrance and a reminder that EVERY CHILD MATTERS.
The activity provided moments to reflect on our own journey in Truth and Reconciliation. We considered what we have learned, what responsibilities we carry, and how we can continue to listen, learn, and act in support. The tree is a reminder that Truth and Reconciliation is not a destination reached through a single ceremony. It requires ongoing attention, care, relationship, and responsibility.
A little history behind the orange shirt
Orange Shirt Day was inspired by the story of Phyllis Webstad. When Phyllis was just six years old, she was forced to attend residential school. Upon arrival, the brand-new orange shirt her granny had given her was taken away and never returned. That experience resulted in Phyllis feeling unimportant and as if she did not matter.
Photo from orangeshirtday.org
About Phyllis Webstad
Phyllis is Northern Secwépemc (Shuswap) from the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation (Canoe Creek Indian Band), and she currently resides in Williams Lake, British Columbia, with her husband. She has a son, a stepson, three grandsons, and one granddaughter.
A quick timeline of the movement
2013: Phyllis shared her story at a gathering in Williams Lake, B.C. The first Orange Shirt Day was held later that year.
2015: The Orange Shirt Society was founded to support the work of Orange Shirt Day and promote awareness of the individual, family, and community impacts of residential schools. Our current Grade 11 students were in kindergarten that year.
2021: The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was established as a federal statutory holiday, in response to Call to Action 80 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
2026: Phyllis continues to share her story and her message with communities across Canada. Recently, she gave a keynote address at McGill University’s Macdonald Campus, where she said, “When I see someone wearing orange it feels like someone cares.” and reminded listeners that “Hard work is heart work.”
Turning care into action
There are many ways we can carry the spirit of Orange Shirt Day forward:
- Wear orange: Consider purchasing an authentic orange shirt from the Orange Shirt Society.
- Read the 94 Calls to Action: Take some time to learn about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s recommendations and consider how they connect to our communities.
- Listen and learn: Seek out books, stories, talks and resources created or shared by Indigenous individuals and Residential School Survivors.
- Learn about the Indian Residential Schools National Monument: Phyllis serves on the Indian Residential Schools National Monument Steering Committee (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) guiding its development. Learn more about the project and its connection to Call to Action 81.
- Carry the learning forward: Choose one thing you can continue to learn, reflect on or act on beyond September 30.
