The Orange Shirt Day began with the personal experience of Phyllis Webstad, a Northern Secwepemc woman from British Columbia. In 1973, at just six years old, Phyllis was sent to St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School near Williams Lake. On her first day, she proudly wore a bright orange shirt her grandmother had bought for her. But when she arrived, the shirt was taken away—and she never saw it again. That moment became symbolic of the loss of identity, culture, and dignity that thousands of Indigenous children experienced in Canada’s residential school system.

Why September 30?

The date was chosen because it marks the time of year when Indigenous children were historically taken from their homes and placed in residential schools. It’s now a day to honour survivors and their families, remember the children who never returned home, reflect on the legacy of residential schools, promote reconciliation and healing.

 The phrase “Every Child Matters” is central to Orange Shirt Day. It’s a reminder that every child deserves to feel loved, safe, and valued—and that the injustices of the past must never be repeated.