You may see many people wearing orange shirts on September 30 for Orange Shirt Day, an annual day that honours survivors of residential schools, which existed in Canada until 1996. An estimated 150,000 students attended residential schools, which separated Indigenous children from their cultural communities and inflicted harm in numerous ways. Around 6,000 children died.
The legacy of these schools continues to impact individuals, communities, and Canadian society as a whole. Orange Shirt Day is an opportunity to acknowledge this history and hear survivors’ stories, so we can all continue the journey of reconciliation.
Ways to participate in Orange Shirt Day on September 30:
-Spread the word by wearing an orange shirt and sharing a photo with #OrangeShirtDay. We would love to see your photo—tag us @globalgatheringplace on Facebook and Instagram.
-The woman behind Orange Shirt Day, Phyllis Webstad, will do an online Q & A at 12pm. See the Facebook event.
–National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation is hosting a special online event for children and youth from 9am-1pm. See the Facebook event.
-Read more about Orange Shirt Day and download a Personal Pledge of Reconciliation here: https://www.ictinc.ca/blog/what-is-orange-shirt-day
