National Orange Shirt Day

Young children wearing vibrant orange shirts, holding hands, walking through a sunflower field during a beautiful sunny day.. — National orange shirt day illustration

Welcome to National Orange Shirt Day, where we celebrate the significance of this vibrant color and its historical roots. Get ready to don your favorite orange shirt and join in the festivities!

When is Orange Shirt Day?

It's national orange shirt day on the 30th September.

History of National Orange Shirt Day

National Orange Shirt Day is a special day of remembrance and awareness that originated in Canada. The day focuses on raising awareness of the intergenerational impact of the Indian Residential School System on Indigenous communities.

The inspiration behind National Orange Shirt Day comes from the story of Phyllis Webstad, a survivor of the St. Joseph Mission Residential School in British Columbia. In 1973, Phyllis arrived at the school wearing a brand new orange shirt, which was confiscated from her upon arrival. The shirt, which symbolized her identity and culture, was taken away, leaving a lasting impact on her.

This powerful symbolism led to the establishment of National Orange Shirt Day to honor the experiences and resilience of Indigenous peoples affected by the residential school system.

How to Celebrate National Orange Shirt Day

Celebrating National Orange Shirt Day is an opportunity to show support for Indigenous communities in Canada and beyond. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Wear an orange shirt: The main way to show your support is by wearing an orange shirt on this day. It's a powerful symbol of unity and acknowledging the impacts of the residential school system.
Participate in events: Many schools, organizations, and communities hold events and ceremonies on National Orange Shirt Day. Attend these gatherings to learn, listen, and contribute to the ongoing dialogue.
Learn about Indigenous history and culture: Take time to educate yourself about the history, culture, and contributions of Indigenous peoples. This helps foster empathy, understanding, and respect.
Support Indigenous organizations: Use this day as an opportunity to donate to Indigenous organizations that work towards healing, reconciliation, and empowerment.
Spread awareness: Use your voice to spread awareness about National Orange Shirt Day on social media or through conversations with friends and family. Encourage others to get involved and learn more.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the color orange was chosen because it represents healing, reconciliation, and hope? It serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength of the Indigenous peoples affected by the residential school system.

History behind the term 'Orange Shirt'

1756

The birth of the Orange Shirt

In 1756, the first orange-colored shirt was created, giving birth to the term 'orange shirt'. This early development marked the beginning of a new fashion trend, as the vibrant color caught the attention of many people and became a popular clothing choice.

1840

Orange Shirt becomes a symbol of prestige

By the year 1840, orange shirts had gained significant popularity. The bright hue of the shirt was associated with wealth and prestige, as the dye used to create the vibrant color was expensive and not easily accessible to everyone. The orange shirt became a symbol of high social standing and fashion-forwardness.

1914

Orange Shirt as a sign of protest

In 1914, the Orange Shirt Day movement emerged as a form of protest against unfair labor practices. Workers, particularly in the textile industry, started wearing orange shirts as a unified symbol of solidarity and resistance. The orange shirt became a powerful visual representation of the workers' demands for better working conditions and fair treatment.

1973

Orange Shirt becomes synonymous with Prison Uniforms

In 1973, the orange shirt took on a new association as it became a commonly used color for prison uniforms in many correctional facilities. This usage was primarily to differentiate inmates from other individuals and maintain security within the prison system. As a result, the orange shirt became synonymous with incarceration.

2013

Orange Shirt Day: A Day of Remembrance

Starting in 2013, Orange Shirt Day, held annually on September 30th, began as a day of remembrance for the Indigenous children who were forcibly taken from their families and placed in residential schools. The orange shirt serves as a powerful and poignant symbol, representing the experiences and resilience of Indigenous communities. It aims to raise awareness about the intergenerational impacts of residential schools and promote reconciliation.