Indian Residential School Survivors and Family Crisis Line
The Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line is available 24-hours a day for anyone experiencing pain or distress as a result of their Residential school experience.
1-866-925-4419
September 30th is Orange Shirt Day
Every year on September 30th, people wear orange shirts to honour the children who survived Canada's Indian Residential Schools, and to remember the children who didn't survive. Orange Shirt Day is based on a story told by Phyllis Webstad about having her new orange shirt taken from her on the first day of residential school. The tradition started in William Lake in 2013, and has since spread to schools and communities across the country.
Find out more about The Story of Orange Shirt Day (via The Orange Shirt Society), or watch Phyllis Webstad's video below that describes the origins and purpose of the day.
What can people do to mark the day?
- Wear an orange shirt or something orange (if you're buying a shirt, make sure the proceeds support Indigenous groups)
- Take time to learn more about Canada's Indian Residential Schools (there are books and resources below)
- Talk to children about residential schools
- Read or re-read the 94 Calls to Action from the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
- Support Indigenous-led organizations in their continuing work on this and other issues
Phyllis Webstad's Orange Shirt Day Presentation
Books from the NLPL Collection for Orange Shirt Day
Resources for Orange Shirt Day
The following are some resources for parents, caregivers, and educators. We suggest adults read through books and resources first before introducing them to children.
- Talking to Kids and Teens about Residential Schools | NLPL eBook list
List of titles in the NLPL digital collection, including picture books, graphic novels and children's fiction. Intended to help start and support conversations about the history and ongoing legacy of Canada's Residential Schools.
- Orange Shirts | First Light (NL)
Information about the origins of Orange Shirt Day, lists of recommended resources, and local orange shirt designs for this year.
- First Nations Education Steering Committee | Indian Residential Schools and Reconciliation Resources
Teacher Resource Guides for grades 5, 10 and 11/12 developed by the First Nations Education Steering Committee and the First Nations Schools Association.
- What is Orange Shirt Day | CBC Kids
A brief overview of Orange Shirt Day in child-accessible language with visuals and video.
- Teacher Resources | Orange Shirt Society
Lesson plans and activities for a range of grade levels, plus printable stickers in English and French.
- Pedagogical Considerations for Teaching About Residential Schools | The First Nations, Metis, Inuit Education Association of Ontario
Suggestions for educators about how to have meaningful conversations about residential schools in a way that is respectful, trauma-informed, and centers Indigenous voices.
- How To Talk To Kids About The National Day For Truth And Reconciliation | David Robertson CBC KidsA short article with suggestions for how to talk about Indian Residential Schools with children, and some suggestions for age-appropriate language and framing.