Orange Shirt Day: September 30th

Orange Shirt Day, observed every year on September 30, is a day to honor residential and boarding school survivors, remember the children who did not return home, and acknowledge the lasting impact of these systems on Indigenous communities.

 The Story Behind the Orange Shirt

• Phyllis Webstad's Experience: In 1973, six-year-old Phyllis went to her first day at St. Joseph Mission Residential School in British Columbia, Canada.

• The Gift Taken Away: Her grandmother bought her a bright, shiny new orange shirt for her first day. School authorities took it away and stripped her of it.

• A Symbol of Loss: The orange shirt became a powerful symbol for the loss of culture, identity, freedom, and self-esteem experienced by generations of Indigenous children.

 Why We Observe September 30

• The Date: September 30 was chosen because it was historically the time of year when Indigenous children were forcibly taken from their families to attend residential and boarding schools.

• Every Child Matters: The movement’s core message is “Every Child Matters,” reminding us that every child’s life and culture has value.

• Commitment to Learning: Wearing orange is a way for our school community to stand in solidarity, promote empathy, and commit to ongoing reconciliation and understanding.

Join us in wearing your orange shirt on September 30 to show your support!