Today, September 30, 2025, we wear orange to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day. This day honors Indigenous children who were sent away to residential schools, many of whom never returned home, and supports survivors of these schools, their families, and communities. Wearing orange symbolizes remembrance of the cultural loss, resilience, and the message that "Every Child Matters"—a commitment to recognizing past injustices and working towards healing and reconciliation.
The tradition originates from the story of Phyllis Webstad, a residential school survivor whose orange shirt was taken from her on her first day at a residential school, representing the broader loss of Indigenous identities and culture enforced by the residential school system. The color orange has since become a symbol of strength, renewal, and the ongoing importance of acknowledging and addressing this history.
Wearing orange today is a powerful act of solidarity, education, and reflection on this dark chapter of history and the resilience of Indigenous communities. It encourages learning, listening to survivors' stories, and participating in events or actions that support reconciliation.
