Why We Wear Orange
September 30 is a day of deep reflection and recognition, marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. This day honours the memory of children who never returned home, as well as Survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities. It also recognizes the intergenerational trauma caused by the residential school system.
The orange shirt stands as a powerful symbol, representing the loss of culture, freedom, and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over decades. Wearing orange acknowledges this painful legacy and is an essential part of the reconciliation process.
At ²ÝÁñÉçÇø, we encourage everyone to:
- Wear orange the week of September 23, especially on September 30, to honor those affected by residential schools.
- Attend events on campus and in the community to show solidarity.
- Take steps to learn, reflect, and recognize the roles we all play in advancing truth, reconciliation, and decolonization throughout the year.
Orange shirts are available for purchase through the Student Union, designed by ²ÝÁñÉçÇø Nursing Student, Araiya Bernard. Let's stand together in support of healing and awareness.