Orange Shirt Day
Sporting vibrant orange, a united statement against discrimination, and fostering inclusivity in our shared human journey.
Leverage Orange Shirt Day to amplify corporate commitment to reconciliation, inclusivity, and social responsibility through visible solidarity campaigns and educational partnerships.
- Partner with Indigenous creators to share authentic reconciliation stories and educational resources
- Launch limited-edition orange merchandise with proceeds supporting Indigenous education and cultural programs
- Host workplace education events and discussions on residential school history and ongoing reconciliation efforts
- Feature employee testimonials on diversity and inclusion initiatives tied to the day's message of unity
For more than 150 years, from the 1830s to the 1990s, these church-run residential schools were funded by the Canadian government. Children of indigenous families, namely Metis, Inuit and First Nations, were removed from their families and forced to speak English or French in lieu of their native languages. They were removed from their traditions and cultures, being forced to adopt Canadian customs and Christianity to assimilate into society.
Founded in 2013, this day is colloquially known as Orange Shirt Day related to the story of one woman who attended a residential school when she was a child. When she was sent for her first day of school, Phyllis Webstad was given a new orange shirt by her grandmother. But when she arrived at school, her clothes were exchanged for a uniform and she never saw her orange shirt from her grandmother again.
In light of this, the color orange has been a reminder for Phyllis about the experiences at residential school, where she and the other children felt overlooked, minimized and valueless. Orange Shirt Day was established by Phyllis and a group of others with the purpose of stating that every child matters while raising awareness about the negative impact of residential schools, as well as fighting against racism and bullying.
In 2008, the Canadian government offered an apology to the indigenous people of the country, acknowledging that this approach of splitting up families and separating children from their culture was wrong, cruel and ineffective.
Orange Shirt Day is celebrated on September 30 because this was typically the day of the year when the indigenous children would be taken or sent off to the residential schools.