Orange Shirt Day Sayings

Orange Shirt Day Sayings

A Legacy of Trauma and Resilience

Orange Shirt Day is an annual event held on September 30th to commemorate the tragic legacy of residential schools in Canada. These schools, which were operated by the Canadian government and various religious organizations, were designed to assimilate Indigenous children into white society. Many students suffered physical, emotional, and sexual abuse during their time at these schools, and the effects of this trauma can still be felt today.

The Orange Shirt

The orange shirt has become a symbol of Orange Shirt Day. In 1973, Phyllis Webstad, a six-year-old Indigenous girl, was forced to attend a residential school. On her first day, the school staff took away her new orange shirt, which had been a gift from her grandmother. This shirt became a reminder of the abuse and trauma that she and many other Indigenous children experienced.

Sayings for Orange Shirt Day

On Orange Shirt Day, people wear orange shirts and participate in events to raise awareness of the history of residential schools and the ongoing effects of colonialism on Indigenous communities. There are many powerful sayings that can be used to commemorate Orange Shirt Day, such as the following:

• "Every Child Matters"
• "The Truth Will Set Us Free"
• "No More Stolen Children"
• "Honouring the Survivors"
• "Orange Shirt Day is a Day of Remembrance and Reconciliation"

How to Observe Orange Shirt Day

There are many ways to observe Orange Shirt Day. Here are a few ideas:

• Wear an orange shirt to school or work.
• Attend an Orange Shirt Day event in your community.
• Learn more about the history of residential schools.
• Share your knowledge with others.
• Support Indigenous communities.

Conclusion

Orange Shirt Day is an important day to remember the tragic history of residential schools and to honour the survivors. By wearing orange shirts and participating in Orange Shirt Day events, we can raise awareness of this history and help to create a more just and equitable future for all.