Truth and Reconciliation Week - Orange Shirt Day

Every year on September 30th, people across Canada and beyond come together to observe Orange Shirt Day. This day holds deep significance as it serves as a solemn reminder of the painful legacy of Canada's residential school system and a symbol of hope, healing, and reconciliation with Indigenous communities. Through education and awareness, Orange Shirt Day helps promote healing and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. It encourages individuals, schools, and communities to engage in conversations about the legacy of residential schools and the path toward reconciliation.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

Participating in Orange Shirt Day is a meaningful way to show your support for reconciliation and Indigenous rights: 

1. Wear Orange: On September 30th, wear an orange shirt as a symbol of your commitment to reconciliation and remembrance. 
2. Learn and Educate: Take the time to learn about the history of residential schools, the impact on Indigenous communities, and the ongoing reconciliation efforts. 
3. Attend Events: Join Orange Shirt Day events and activities in your community to connect with others who share the same commitment. 
4. Support Indigenous Initiatives: Consider supporting Indigenous organizations and initiatives working toward healing, cultural revitalization, and justice.  

RESOURCES

Help raise students' awareness of the individual, family, and community inter-generational impacts of residential schools, and to promote the concept of “Every Child Matters”. Included in this resource are three reading passages - Truth and Reconciliation, Orange Shirt Day, and Residential Schools. Each reading passage has comprehension questions. As a bonus, an activity has been included!

Click on the image to learn more!

GREAT BOOKS TO READ

By acknowledging the past, fostering empathy, and promoting reconciliation, we can build a more inclusive and compassionate society. Let us embrace this opportunity to come together, listen, learn, and heal as we strive for a better future for all.

Truth and Reconciliation Day

On September 30th, we honour the Indigenous children who were sent away to residential schools in Canada. It is also a day to learn more about the history of those schools. Today, it is also known as Orange Shirt Day or the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The “orange shirt” in Orange Shirt Day refers to the new shirt that Phyllis Webstad was given to her by her grandmother for her first day of school at a residential school in British Columbia. When Phyllis got to school, they took away her clothes, including her new shirt. It was never returned. 

The message that Phyllis wants to pass along on Orange Shirt Day — and every day — is that every child matters. Orange Shirt Day was started by Phyllis to educate people about residential schools and to fight racism and bullying.

There are many ways you can get involved! 

• Wear an orange shirt on September 30th. 
• Share Phyllis’ story.
• Trace your hand and write something on it that you can do to help others feel like they matter. 
• Read books by Indigenous authors. My favourite books are shown below!

Looking to share picture books authored by Indigenous authors? Each of the shown books are featured in my resource. There are comprehension checks, writing prompts, and response to literature activities for each of the NINE books!