Listening and Learning on Orange Shirt Day

Orange ribbons hanging from a wire to represent Indigenous children who died at residential schools in Canada.

In the spirit of Reconciliation, OTF is working to foster respect and build relationships with Indigenous people and communities.

On this Orange Shirt Day, we remain committed to learning about residential schools and listening to the stories of survivors and families in an effort to build stronger, more inclusive communities.

On September 30th, OTF embarks on its 6th year of participating in Orange Shirt Day as part of our work towards Reconciliation. September 30th also marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada.  

Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led commemorative day that raises awareness of the history of residential schools and promotes the message that “Every Child Matters”.

The day honours the children and survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. It’s a time for deeper reflection, learning and dialogue on the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. In support of Orange Shirt Day and Reconciliation, we encourage all to wear orange and take advantage of the resources below:

Learn the history

Listen to the stories 

Participate in community events