September 30, 2026
Every Child Matters: Orange Shirt Day
Orange Shirt Day began with Phyllis Webstad’s story. In 1973, when she was six years old, she arrived at St. Joseph Mission residential school near Williams Lake, British Columbia, wearing a new orange shirt her grandmother had bought for her. It was taken from her on her first day.
Since 2013, people across Canada have worn orange on September 30 to honour the children who were sent to residential schools, the ones who came home and the ones who did not. In 2021, September 30 also became the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
How to take part
Wear orange, and learn the history. Listen to survivors and their families. When you buy an orange shirt or pin, look for one designed by an Indigenous artist, and check where the money goes, so your purchase supports Indigenous people and survivor organizations rather than a mass-market supplier.
If you are a residential school survivor or affected by the schools and need support, the National Indian Residential School Crisis Line is open 24 hours a day at 1-866-925-4419.