Orange Shirt Day “Every Child Matters” Virtual Honouring

Orange Shirt Day is observed each year on Sept. 30. Orange shirts were chosen as a sign of support based on the story of Phyllis Webstad, who was sent to the St. Joseph Mission Residential School outside of Williams Lake, BC in 1973 at the age of six. For her first day at school Phyllis proudly wore an orange shirt that her grandmother had managed to save enough money to buy for her, only to have the mission staff take it away and force her to wear a school uniform.

In recognizing September 30, 2021 as the National Day for Truth and Reconcilation, the Diversity and Inclusion Network proudly present an online Virtual Honouring for residential school children who did not make it home, survivors, descendants and their communities.

The virtual event will include inspiring speakers such as Elder Lorna Standingready and Chief Cadmus Delorme; video clips from Cyclist, B’yauling Toni’s tours of Saskatchewan residential schools; and, traditional First Nation and Métis performances!

The Diversity and Inclusion Network is a community of practice network whose purpose is to share best practices, learn about various topics together and collaborate on initiatives. The Diversity and Inclusion Network organizes events such as the National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebrations on June 21st and Orange Shirt Day on September 30th in honour of residential school survivors.

Brought to you by the Diversity & Inclusion Network:

Organizations on the 2021 Orange Shirt Day Planning Committee include: