Orange Shirt Day

What is orange shirt day?

Orange Shirt Day, recognized annually on September 30, is a national day of remembrance that honours the survivors of Canada's residential school system, the children who never returned home, and the families and communities forever impacted by these institutions. The day began with the story of Phyllis Webstad, a Northern Secwepemc woman whose new orange shirt was taken away on her first day at residential school—an experience that came to symbolize the loss of culture, identity, and dignity endured by Indigenous children across generations.

The orange shirt is now a powerful symbol of the stripping away of culture, language, and self-worth experienced by Indigenous children in residential schools. It serves as a call to never forget, and to actively support healing and reconciliation.

Truth and Reconciliation in Canada

Between the 1870s and 1990s, more than 150,000 Indigenous children were forcibly taken from their families and placed in government-funded, church-run residential schools across Canada. These schools aimed to assimilate Indigenous youth by erasing their languages, traditions, and cultures—often through systemic abuse and neglect. Thousands of children died in these institutions, many in unmarked graves that are only now being uncovered.

In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) released 94 Calls to Action, urging all levels of government and Canadian society to address the legacy of residential schools and advance the process of Canadian reconciliation. These calls include specific actions for education, child welfare, health, justice, and commemoration.

September 30 is also recognized as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a federal statutory holiday that invites reflection, education, and meaningful dialogue on Canada’s colonial history and its ongoing impacts.

As members of the Huron community, we all share a responsibility to educate ourselves, honour Indigenous voices, and take real steps toward reconciliation—not just on this day, but throughout the year.

HUCSC Orange Shirt Day Fundraiser

Wear Orange. Support Indigenous Communities.

HUCSC is proud to host an Orange Shirt Day merchandise fundraiser to raise awareness and funds in support of Indigenous-led initiatives. All proceeds from this campaign will be donated to [insert organization, e.g., the Orange Shirt Society or a local Indigenous community partner].

🧡 Limited-edition orange shirts featuring meaningful designs
🧡 Available online and on campus
🧡 All proceeds go directly to reconciliation efforts

Why It Matters

Wearing an orange shirt is a small but powerful act of solidarity. It tells survivors, families, and communities: we see you, we hear you, and we support your healing.

Let’s come together as a campus community to listen, learn, and take meaningful steps toward reconciliation.