September 30 is Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. It is a day to honour Residential School Survivors, remember the children who never returned home, and learn about the history and lasting impacts of the residential school system.

Why do we wear orange?

Orange Shirt Day was created in 2013 by residential school Survivor Phyllis Webstad, whose story has become central to the day’s message.

In 1973, when Phyllis was six years old, she was excited to attend residential school in British Columbia. Her grandmother had bought her a new, bright orange shirt for her first day. When she arrived at the school, her clothing was taken away, including her new shirt, which was never returned.

Phyllis later shared how the experience made her feel that she did not matter. Her story inspired Orange Shirt Day and the message “Every Child Matters.”

Remembering the residential school system

For more than a century, the residential school system forcibly separated many First Nations, Inuit and Métis children from their families and communities. The system sought to assimilate Indigenous children by separating them from their cultures, languages, traditions and families. Survivors have shared experiences of neglect, abuse and profound loss, and the effects continue to be felt across generations.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was established in 2021 in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 80. September 30 provides an opportunity to listen, learn, remember and reflect on the history and legacy of residential schools.

At CUIAS, we recognize the importance of learning about the history of the land we now call home and reflecting on what truth and reconciliation mean for communities across Canada.

This September 30, take time to learn, listen and reflect.

Every Child Matters.