Every child matters. Today is Orange Shirt Day, the day of remembrance for Indigenous victims of the residential schools (which ran from the 1870s to 1996). Many children in them died of tuberculosis, hunger, abuse, and neglect. Sexual and physical abuse was rife.

From the Orange Shirt Day website:

“Former student Phyllis (Jack) Webstad told her story of her first day at residential school when her shiny new orange shirt, bought by her grandmother, was taken from her as a six-year old girl.

The annual Orange Shirt Day on September 30th opens the door to global conversation on all aspects of Residential Schools. It is an opportunity to create meaningful discussion about the effects of Residential Schools and the legacy they have left behind. A discussion all Canadians can tune into and create bridges with each other for reconciliation. A day for survivors to be reaffirmed that they matter, and so do those that have been affected. Every Child Matters, even if they are an adult, from now on.”

Orange Shirt Society

Donations can be made by cheque and mailed to Orange Shirt Society, PO Box 4240, Williams Lake, BC V2G2V3, or they accept etransfer through their website donations page.

My shirt is from the Woodland Cultural Centre who are raising money to save the evidence of the residential school in Brantford, Ontario, where many children from the Six Nations (Hodinohshoni) and Anishinaabe suffered. If you live locally, please visit and support this important museum.

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