Orange Shirt Day in Canada

Sept. 30 marks Orange Shirt day across Canada.

The day was created to recognize the legacy and history of residential schools.

It was inspired by the story of Phyllis (Jack) Webstad, who at the age of six attended her first day of residential school in 1973 wearing an orange shirt.

The new shirt had been given to her by her grandmother.

When Webstad arrived at the school, the shirt was taken away and she never saw it again.

She has spoken out about the impact of this and many other abuses she suffered at the school.

“Today, we acknowledge the long-lasting, multi-generational impact of the residential school system on Indigenous communities, our province and our country,” said Greg Rickford, Ontario’s Minister of Indigenous Affairs.

“For more than 100 years, Indigenous children across Canada were removed from their families and forced to attend residential schools, where they were stripped of their language and culture.”

September 30 is #OrangeShirtDay.

We recognize the impact done by Residential Schools and support the commitment that every child matters. Please wear an orange shirt today to show support & commitment to reconciliation, inclusion and anti-racism. https://t.co/itSvz9zwWY pic.twitter.com/ydCScfAJI0

— City of Hamilton (@cityofhamilton) September 30, 2020

The County of Brant joins in wearing orange to commemorate lives lost and to honour the survivors of the residential school system.

“We come together with Canada in the spirit of reconciliation and optimism for generations to come because Every Child Matters!”
Mayor David Bailey pic.twitter.com/tOg7fw9hiy

— County of Brant (@BrantCommunity) September 30, 2020

Orange Shirt Day started as a commemoration event in 2013.

It has since expanded across Canada to raise awareness about racism and reconciliation.