On Orange Shirt Day and Everyday In Between, Every Child Matters

September 30, 2021

As a legacy of the residential school system in Canada, Orange Shirt Day is an opportunity for communities, businesses, local governments, and schools to come together in the spirit of reconciliation.

The annual event, which draws on the story of a child whose bright new orange shirt was taken away from her on her first day of residential school, has become an opportunity to promote Every Child Matters campaign.

Launched in 2013, Orange Shirt Day is commemorated each year on September 30, as this was the time of the year in which Indigenous children were taken from their homes by the government of Canada and forced to attend residential schools without their parents’ consent. Residential schools in Canada operated from 1870 to 1996 in a partnership between the Canadian Government, Anglican, and Catholic churches, and others. Children as young as four were stripped from their families and treated poorly, losing their culture and language as a result.

Orange Shirt Day is an opportunity to shed light on a part of Canadian history that had a devastating impact on Indigenous people. It also provides an opportunity for all of us at Waiward Industrial along with our Indigenous partners, to come together as a team to honour those who attended residential schools and mourn the loss of those who didn’t make it home.

This year, Waiward opened a design opportunity to all the members of the Mikisew Cree First Nation, Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, and Fort Chipewyan Métis First Nation. The winner’s artwork is featured on our very own orange shirts that were distributed amongst the Waiward family. We proudly raised $1,100 in employee donations, with 100% of the proceeds going directly to the Orange Shirt Society.

A special thanks and acknowledgement to our winner, Rhea Powder, from the Mikisew Cree Frist Nation. “Orange Shirt Day is a day to remember the kids who didn’t get to come home from residential schools.  The little hands represent the kids who have been found across Canada and the feathers reminded me of my heritage.” – Rhea Powder

Thank you to all our Waiward employees, who once again exemplified the true importance of community and family and donated to continue the Orange Shirt Society’s mission to raise awareness in Canada.

 

Truth & Reconciliation Day Resources

About the Orange Shirt Society

Indigenous Canada – Online Course Offered By the University of Alberta

Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action

Kitchen Table Dialogue Guide from Reconciliation Canada