On Tuesday, September 30, 2025, our school took a moment to recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day. Students and teachers wore orange in support of reconciliation and Indigenous communities.
The history of Orange Shirt Day begins with Phyllis Webstad, a residential school survivor, who shared her story about her orange shirt being taken away when she entered St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School. The orange shirt symbolized the idea of stripping off the identity and freedom of Indigenous children who were forced into these schools. It also symbolizes the lasting impact residential schools had on generations of First Nations people. When Ms. Webstad shared her story, it inspired the Orange Shirt Society to begin Orange Shirt Day. The purpose of this act was to remember and commit to the message that “Every Child Matters”. Orange Shirt Day began in 2013 as one of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action. The day is a way to remember the harm caused to children, families, and communities who were impacted by the residential school system in Canada.
“There was an assembly for orange shirt day, and it talked about the Calls to Action for reconciliation, ways that I can help show reconciliation within my community. It was a great way to reflect on reconciliation with Indigenous people and their communities,” said a student who wished to remain anonymous.
Orange Shirt Day is still significant today, as Indigenous peoples are still facing challenges in Canada. This day is not only about the past and honouring the survivors and victims of Canada’s colonial history, but also about moving forward and taking true and meaningful steps towards reconciliation. The act of wearing an orange shirt helps to raise awareness about the harsh reality of the residential school system under the authority of the Canadian government.
Raising awareness about the countless hardships Indigenous peoples have experienced throughout history helps to ensure that they never experience such injustice again. The 94 Calls to Action address the legacy of the residential school system and help advance the current process of reconciliation.
Orange Shirt Day is a great step forward on the path towards reconciliation, but there are still more initiatives that can make a difference. Getting educated about different Indigenous issues is a good way to start.
THE NORTH STAR 