Orange Shirt Day is recognized annually in September to show commitment to the principle that every child matters. The purpose of Orange Shirt Day is to acknowledge and recognize the harm done to residential school students and promote anti-racism and anti-bullying environments and attitudes.
The Orange Shirt movement grew out of an experience shared by Phyllis (Jack) Webstad, a former residential school student. Phyllis had her brand-new orange shirt taken away on her first day of residential school. Orange Shirt Day is an opportunity for First Nations, local governments, schools, and communities to come together in the spirit of reconciliation and hope for generations of children to come.
