What began with
is now changing a nation
The orange shirt has become a symbol of hope, reconciliation and a commitment to a better future. By wearing an orange shirt on September 30th, you make a statement to support truth & reconciliation and commit to the enduring truth that
“EVERY CHILD MATTERS”
Inspired by Phyllis Webstad’s story of having her orange shirt taken away on her first day at a Indian residential school, we uplift the voices of Survivors and invite all people in Canada to walk the path of truth & reconciliation together.
“I remember going to Robinson’s store and picking out a shiny orange shirt. It had string laced up in front, and was so bright and exciting – just like I felt to be going to school!…”
Phyllis Webstad
Understanding Orange Shirt Day
Orange Shirt Day – Every Child Matters was created in April 2013, in Williams Lake, BC, Canada.
In 2021, the Canadian federal government officially established September 30th as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR). NDTR did not replace Orange Shirt Day, it is both.
Respect the story. Protect the message.
Get Your Official License
As Orange Shirt Day has grown into a national movement, we’ve seen Every Child Matters used in many ways, some that honour its purpose, while others don’t.
If you’re creating shirts, hoodies, or merchandise that feature Every Child Matters, you need an official license from the Orange Shirt Society.
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Orange Jersey Project
Sports teams wear orange Every Child Matters jerseys while learning about residential school history, connecting sports culture with truth-telling.
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Every Child Matters Crosswalks
Transforming everyday crosswalks into visually impactful sites of honour & remembrance.
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Survivor Voices Speaker Series
Hear the truth. Honour the stories. Learn from those who lived it.
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Quilts for Survivors
Volunteers creating handmade quilts as gifts of honour and healing for residential school Survivors.
Programs & Action
From classrooms to crosswalks, communities are creating spaces for truth, reconciliation, and healing.
The Orange Shirt Society partners with local groups to bring Indian residential school education and recognition of Survivors into everyday spaces where people live, learn, and gather.