Edublog - Orange Shirt Day - National Day For Truth & Reconciliation

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Sep 27
3 min read

Updated: 3 days ago

Orange Shirt Day

National Day For Truth & Reconciliation

National Day For Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day, is a very important day in Canada. It is held every year on September 30, and many people take part by wearing an orange shirt to remember the past.

Orange Shirt Day was created in 2013 by Phyllis Webstad. This special day is a day to honour and remember the children who suffered in residential schools and to show that every child matters. Phyllis Webstad has helped many people understand what happened to many Indigenous children at residential schools because she shared her personal story of what happened to her when she went to a residential school.

The Story Behind Orange Shirt Day: Honouring Phyllis Webstad's Story

Phyllis Webstad was a young Indigenous girl. When Phyllis Webstad was six years old, she received a beautiful orange shirt from her grandmother, which she wore on her first day of school. She was very excited and proud to wear her orange shirt.

However, when she arrived at the residential school, a teacher took the orange shirt away from her, along with other things that reminded her of her culture. Phyllis felt very sad and confused because she did not understand why her belongings were taken away. She missed her family and her culture very much during her time at the residential school.

This is why today, it is very important to honour the children who suffered in residential schools on Orange Shirt Day. This important day is a reminder that the past should not be forgotten and that we must all learn from it.

Honouring Indigenous History and Recalling the Injustices of Residential Schools

On Orange Shirt Day, schools, community centres, and families organize events that help people learn about Indigenous history and the impact of residential schools. It is common to see many people wearing orange shirts on September 30 in Canada. People wear orange shirts to remember the pain of the past and to support the healing process for Indigenous survivors and their families.

How Do Schools Observe and Honour Orange Shirt Day in Canada?

Schools observe and honour Orange Shirt Day in Canada by doing creative and meaningful activities. Teachers often explain the history of the day by teaching stories and using pictures or videos. Some schools also invite speakers to talk about reconciliation and the importance of every child's story at residential schools. These activities help everyone learn from the past and work together for a better future.

Orange Shirt Day is not only a day of reflection but also a chance for everyone to stand together and work towards reconciliation. By learning about the history of the Indigenous Peoples of Canada, we can all help to build a kinder and more understanding community. It encourages us to listen, to learn, and to respect one another's culture and history.

Daily Land Acknowledgements & Orange Shirt Day

Schools in Canada help teach about Indigenous culture, not just on Orange Shirt Day, but all throughout the year. Schools do this by doing a land acknowledgement at the start of the school day, before O' Canada is played on the morning announcements every morning during the school year.

This land acknowledgement is a way to show respect for the Indigenous Peoples who have lived on the land for many years. It is a short message that recognizes their history and contributions. On Orange Shirt Day, a land acknowledgement helps us remember the experiences of Indigenous children who went to residential schools. This practice reminds us that every person's history matters and that we can learn from the past to build a better future.

Watch this video, which shows an example of a land acknowledgment at a school in Canada:

Final Thoughts on Orange Shirt Day

Overall, Orange Shirt Day is a very important day in Canada. It reminds us of Phyllis Webstad’s brave story and the hardships faced by many Indigenous children in residential schools. This day helps us honour the past and learn about Indigenous history, so we can build a kinder and more united future together.