Orange Shirt Day in Canada is still a relatively recent observance. While many people can broadly explain the general purpose behind the day, few can elaborate on its history. Established in 2013, the day is based on the childhood experience of residential school survivor Phyllis Webstad. With this in mind, let us examine the history behind the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The Story Behind the Orange Shirt
In 1973, Phyllis was only six years old when she arrived at the St. Joseph Mission Residential School near Williams Lake, British Columbia. Before her first official day, her grandmother had bought her a bright new orange shirt. Upon her arrival, school staff stripped the shirt from her and never returned it.
Over time, that orange shirt became a symbol of how her sense of worth and childhood were stripped away.
Benevolent Facade vs. Systematic Reality
At the time, government officials and church missionaries routinely presented residential schools to Indigenous families as benevolent institutions that would provide a European-style education, practical job training, and Christian instruction. Officials never disclosed the systemic intent to erase children’s native languages, spiritual beliefs, and cultural identities, nor did they warn families of the rampant neglect, malnutrition, and widespread physical and sexual abuse. As a result, families were led to believe they were sending their children to an ordinary school for their growth and education.
State Coercion and Mandatory Attendance
When families resisted or refused to surrender their children, persuasion shifted entirely to state coercion. Under amendments to the Indian Act in 1920, attendance became legally mandatory for children aged 7 through 15. Government Indian agents and the RCMP operated as truant officers, using threats of fines, imprisonment, or the forcible abduction of children to compel compliance whenever parents attempted to keep their children home.
Why Remembering Matters Today
It is crucial that we educate ourselves on the full reality of this history. We must discuss what happened and ensure it is remembered, as there remains much to confront. The survivors affected by this system are still with us today, making this chapter far less distant history than many realize.
To honor them, we must continue to spread awareness and support Indigenous communities in reclaiming what was stolen from them for generations.
Take Meaningful Action Beyond Wearing Orange
Reconciliation begins with listening, unlearning, and continuous education. Deepen your understanding of residential school history and directly support Indigenous-led initiatives across Canada:
- Read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action.
- Support the Orange Shirt Society at orangeshirtday.org.
- Access crisis support: The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line is available 24/7 at 1-866-925-4419.
