Orange Shirt Day: September 30

On September 30, University of Winnipeg Students’ Association (UWSA) encourages all students, staff, faculty and community members to wear an orange shirt to show support for residential survivors and bring attention to other injustices Indigenous children face today. The idea of wearing orange t-shirts was inspired by residential school survivor, Phyllis Webstad and her story. On her first day of school, Phyllis excitedly wore her orange shirt, only to have it taken away and replaced with an institutional uniform. The orange shirt represents the loss of identity and culture at the residential school – the effects of which still prevail to this day.

In response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions’ 94 Calls to Action, UWSA is committed to bringing awareness to the residential school experience. We want the participation of the greater community in delivering the message that Every Child Matters. UWSA in collaboration with the Indigenous Students’ Association will be holding an event in the ASSC to honor residential school survivors. Please join us for a discussion on how Indigenous people are reclaiming their language and culture in a way which is important for their wellbeing and  nations.