Orange Shirt Day is a movement that officially began in 2013, but in reality it began in 1973 when six-year old Phyllis Webstad entered the St. Joseph Mission Residential School, outside of Williams Lake, BC. Young Phyllis was wearing a brand new orange shirt for her first day of school - new clothes being a rare and wonderful thing for an Indigenous girl growing up in her grandmother’s care - but the Mission Oblates quickly stripped her of her new shirt and replaced it with the school’s institutional uniform.

 

Ms. Webstad’s story is the nucleus for what has become a national movement to recognize the experience of survivors of Indian residential schools, honour them, and show a collective commitment to ensure that every child matters. The initiative calls for every Canadian to wear an orange shirt on September 30 in the spirit of healing and reconciliation. Below we have compiled some resources that you might find useful to prepare for Orange Shirt Day.

 

1. What is Orange Shirt Day?

 

2. Videos

Phyllis Webstad Orange Shirt Day Presentation

Orange Shirt Day Classroom Video 1

Orange Shirt Day Classroom Video 2

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3. Books

English Book Options for Orange Shirt Day with Videos and Read Alouds

French Book Options for Orange Shirt Day

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4. Activities

English Every Child Matters Orange Shirt Day Activities

French Every Child Matters Orange Shirt Day Activities