Orange Shirt Day was created out of Phyllis’ story. In 1973, when Phyllis (Jack) Webstad was six years old, she was sent to the Mission School near Williams Lake, BC.
What inspired Orange Shirt Day?
Orange Shirt Day was created as an opportunity to discuss the effects of residential schools and their legacy. It honours the experiences of Indigenous Peoples, celebrates resilience and affirms a commitment that every child matters.
Who started the orange shirt?
It was first adopted by Cariboo-Chilcotin School District 27 in 2013 and later throughout British Columbia. By 2020, Orange Shirt Day ideas and resources were used by teachers across Canada and on 30 September, schools, colleges and universities were awash in orange.
What is the message of Orange Shirt Day?
Orange Shirt Day is a day to honour the experiences and healing journey of residential school survivors and their families, and to commit to an ongoing process of reconciliation.
What does Orange Shirt Day symbolize and why?
It is the 8th annual day in recognition of the damage done by the residential school system. Orange Shirt Day was inspired by Phyllis Jack Webstad, a Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation elder in Williams Lake, B.C. She wore a bright orange shirt to her first day of residential school in 1973 when she was six years old.
Why was orange chosen for every child matters?
While the colour orange used to symbolize to Phyllis Webstad that she didn’t matter, today it represents hope that Indigenous families and communities are healing. It has become a symbol of defiance and a commitment to a better future. The orange shirt now represents hope and reconciliation.
Why does orange represent Indigenous?
The purpose of wearing orange is to show a unified step towards reconciliation and building stronger relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
Who had their orange shirt taken away?
Phyllis
Phyllis (Jack) Webstad was six years old, she was sent to the Mission School near Williams Lake. Her first memory of her first day at the Mission school was that of having her clothes taken away – including a brand new orange shirt given to her by her grandmother.
What Does every child matter mean?
It is an expression of the belief that all children are important, including the ones left behind at residential schools and adults who are still healing from the trauma they endured there.
Who created residential schools?
The schools were established by the Canadian Government and administered by the Roman Catholic, Methodist, Anglican, Presbyterian, and United churches in the 1870’s and were in operation until 1996.
Who created the Every child Matters logo?
artist Andy Everson
The Every Child Matters logo was created by Northwest Coast artist Andy Everson of K’ómoks First Nation. As suggested by Andy, we have donated to the organizations below. We hope that you will also contribute to one of these important Indigenous organizations, as well as others.
Where did every child matters come from?
The event was inspired by the story of Phyllis Webstad, who wore a bright orange shirt on her first day attending a B.C. residential school in 1973, but had the shirt stripped from her, never to be seen again.
Do you wear orange on Indigenous peoples day?
This date is an opportunity to educate people and promote awareness about the Indian Residential School system and the impact this system had on Indigenous communities for more than a century in Canada, and which still does today. Canadians are encouraged to wear an orange shirt on this day.
Why is it important to wear orange?
The orange shirt is thus used as a symbol of the forced assimilation of Indigenous children that the residential school system enforced. The day was elevated to a statutory holiday by the Parliament of Canada in 2021, in light of the revelations of over 1,000 unmarked graves near former residential school sites.
How do you explain Orange Shirt Day to a child?
It’s a day to honour children that survived residential school, and to remember the lives that were lost. Wearing orange is a symbol of respect and mourning. This year, September 30 also marks the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. You may not know the tragic history of residential schools.
What does wearing orange mean?
we wear orange for a future free from gun violence
We honor the communities shattered by gun violence alongside the more than 110 people who are shot and killed, and hundreds more who are wounded, every day in our country. Together, we call for meaningful action to save lives.
What is Every Child Matters called now?
Safeguarding children and child protection guidance and legislation applies to all children up to the age of 18.
How many children died in residential schools?
Information exists in archives about the deaths of children, which has contributed to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation’s Memorial Register. As of May 24, 2022, the register has 4,130 confirmed names of children who died while at Indian Residential Schools.
What are the aims of Every Child Matters?
What are the key aims? The key aim of Every Child Matters is to ensure that all children get the support they need to: be healthy stay safe enjoy and achieve make a positive contribution achieve economic well-being. Following Every Child Matters, the DCSF published the Children’s Plan in 2007.
How do you acknowledge an Orange Shirt Day?
What are some other activities that can be done to observe Orange Shirt Day?
- Wear orange shirts.
- Hold an assembly.
- Have door greeters ask students to sign a pledge to always remember.
- Get students to decorate orange shirts and wear them for the event.
- Hold a drum circle.
How do you acknowledge Indigenous People’s day?
How to Celebrate and Respect Indigenous Peoples’ Day
- Identify and acknowledge the Native land you live on.
- Attend a celebration hosted by an Indigenous organization that honors Indigenous people and cultures.
- Take part in an online or in-person event, such as those hosted by the National Museum of the American Indian.