Sept. 30 is Orange Shirt Day, an annual day of remembrance to acknowledge the history and lasting impacts of residential and day schools. The national movement was sparked by residential school survivor Phyllis Webstad’s story. Her orange shirt—which was removed by authorities on her first day of school—has become a symbol of the harmful impacts of Canada’s residential and day school system.
The legacy of this system lies in our not-so-distant past. In fact, some Carleton students, staff and faculty are survivors, and many First Nation, Inuit and Métis people continue to experience intergenerational trauma.
Orange Shirt Day invites Indigenous allies to show leadership in reflecting on this significant part of Canadian history as we continue to learn and take meaningful action towards conciliation in Canada—not only on Sept. 30, but every day. It is also a day when Indigenous Peoples reflect on their own families’ experiences with assimilationist and colonial policies.
Carleton is committed to conciliation with Indigenous Peoples, as outlined in Kinàmàgawin, which includes 41 calls to action to make our university a more welcoming space for current and future Indigenous students, staff and faculty members.
Join us in Honouring Orange Shirt DayOn Monday, Sept. 30, you are invited to attend the Walking Together in Allyship: A Panel Discussion in Honour of Orange Shirt Day event from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Teraanga Commons Conference Room. Join us to hear from Indigenous friends and allies as they share stories about their ongoing journey of Indigenous allyship. Please register online to confirm your attendance as space is limited.
Other Campus Activities on Sept. 30An Every Child Matters flag will be flown on campus, and the bridge at the north end of campus and the Richcraft Hall underpass will be illuminated in orange. You are encouraged to wear an orange Every Child Matters shirt as you reflect on the responsibilities we all have in pursuing conciliation. Leading up to Sept. 30, Campus Safety Services will be collecting non-perishable food items, personal hygiene and baby products for the Minwaashin Lodge Emergency Food Cupboard. Donations can be dropped off in Teraanga Commons, Athletics or at the Campus Safety Services office in Pigiarvik. They can also be dropped off at the panel discussion event on Sept. 30.
Resources The Orange Shirt Day webpage features stories, events and resources for ongoing learning. The Residential School Survivor Support Line is available 24/7 at 1-866-925-4419 for Indigenous members of the Carleton community who need support.
Please join us in seeking out opportunities toward conciliation—on Orange Shirt Day and beyond.