Orange Shirt Day: A poignant reflection on Canada’s residential school system legacy. Uniting in empathy, Canadians remember and pledge never to forget.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Essence of Orange Shirt Day
Each year on September 30th, a wave of orange shirts sweeps across Canada, reflecting not just a vibrant color but a deep-rooted memory of a painful history.
This day, Orange Shirt Day is dedicated to the Indigenous children who suffered and lost their lives in the notorious residential school system.
Delving into the Dark Pages of Canada’s Past
Starting from the late 1800s and persisting until the 1990s, over 150,000 First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children were torn from their families and forced into these residential schools.
Sponsored by the Canadian government and managed by churches, these institutions aimed to strip these children of their cultural identities.
Regrettably, this era was marked by cultural erosion and rampant physical, sexual, and psychological abuse.
The Emergence of Orange Shirt Day
The genesis of this significant day traces back to 2013 in Williams Lake, British Columbia.
Pioneered by Indigenous communities, the purpose was clear – remembering the survivors, their families, and especially the children who never returned.
The orange shirt’s symbolism has a heart-wrenching story.
A young Indigenous girl named Phyllis Webstad had her beloved orange shirt, a gift from her grandmother, taken away on her first day at St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School.
This incident and the poignant color orange are now symbolic of the collective pain and the feeling of worthlessness experienced by thousands.
Increasing Awareness and Acknowledgment
Over the years, the observance of Orange Shirt Day has garnered more recognition and participation.
The horrifying discovery of over 200 unmarked graves in Kamloops in 2021 intensified the attention towards this day.
Such revelations ignited a demand for accountability, culminating in an apology from Pope Francis in July 2021.
Activities and the Deeper Meaning Behind the Day
In addition to donning orange shirts, Canadians engage in marches and other commemorative events on this day, further known as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Established on the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in 2015, this day embodies the nation’s commitment to remember the cruelties and ensure they are not replicated.
Phyllis Webstad encapsulated the essence of this day, stating:
“Orange Shirt Day is a day for survivors to tell their stories and for us to listen with open hearts.”
Phyllis Webstad
“Every child matters, even if you are an adult.”
Phyllis Webstad
Conclusion: Reflecting on the Shadows of the Past
Orange Shirt Day is a testament to a harrowing chapter in Canadian history.
As the nation unites today, the collective hope is to instill understanding, empathy, and reconciliation, ensuring that past mistakes are never revisited.
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