Orange Shirt Day occurs every year on September 30. It grew out of Phyllis (Jack) Webstad’s story of having her shiny new orange shirt taken away on her first day of residential school. Today, it is a national initiative for First Nations, local governments, schools, and communities to come together in the spirit of reconciliation and hope for generations of children to come. Wear your orange shirt to remind everyone that Every Child Matters, and check out our related staff-picked lists in the links below to learn more.
Every Child Matters: Reconciliation Through Education - designed for students in Grades 5 through 12, this virtual event provides an opportunity to learn first hand from residential school survivors, elders, knowledge keepers, artists and leaders from nations and cultures across the country. Educators can tune into the broadcast with their students and download free educational resources. Open to all Canadian schools to honour residential school survivors, their families and communities. Learn more in the link below. Live online on Sep 30 at 10am.
On the Path to Reconciliation: A special online event presented by the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund. Hear how Mike and his brother, Gord Downie, started the Secret Path project to tell the story of Chanie Wenjack, enjoy music by Juno Award-winning artist, William Prince from the Peguis First Nation, and discover what Mike thinks Canadians like you can do to become an ally for people affected by residential schools. Register in advance through the link below. Live online on Sep 30 at 3pm.
Related links
Orange Shirt Day: Videos and resources to support education.
Every Child Matters: Sep 30, 10am. Register in advance.
On the Path to Reconciliation: Sep 30, 3pm. Register in advance.
Kids Booklist: Indigenous Reads for 2020
Adult Booklist: Will You Be Wearing Your Orange Shirt Today?
Adult Booklist: Indigenous Writers to Read
Adult Booklist: Indigenous Voices - Staff Non-Fiction Picks
Adult Booklist: Indigenous Books, Podcasts & Films
Teen Booklist: Orange Shirt Day
Teen Booklist: Featured Picks by Indigenous Authors