JFK’s Message for Orange Shirt Day

By jfklaw,

CONTENT WARNING: Residential School and Related Traumas

JFK Law will be closed on Monday, September 30, in recognition of Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. On this meaningful day, we pause to honour the strength and resilience of Indigenous children, families, and communities, and to deepen our understanding of the enduring impacts of the residential school system. This is a time to listen, learn, and reflect on the importance of healing and reconciliation, as we stand in solidarity with Survivors and their loved ones. By giving space to our team—some of whom will be connecting with family and community, others focusing on how to champion Indigenous rights—we reaffirm our commitment to building a future grounded in respect, justice, and positive change for all.

Recently, Nadir André, a partner at JFK Law, spoke about what Truth and Reconciliation in Canada means to him – watch the video here: https://vimeo.com/1119830388?share=copy

Orange Shirt Day was inspired by the experience of Phyllis Webstad, a member of Northern Secwpemc from Stswecem’c Xgat’tem. When she was preparing to attend St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School in Williams Lake, BC, her grandmother bought her a vibrant orange shirt. Phyllis felt joy and excitement wearing it, but on her first day at school in 1973, staff took away her clothes—including her prized orange shirt—and she never got it back. The color orange later came to symbolize the disregard for her feelings. Phyllis says that “the color orange has always reminded me of that and how my feelings didn’t matter, how no one cared and how I felt like I was worth nothing. All of us little children were crying and no one cared.”

From 1831 to 1996, 139 residential schools operated across Canada, run by the federal government and religious orders. Indigenous children as young as four were taken from their families, forbidden to speak their language or practice their culture, and suffered various forms of abuse. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission reported 3,200 student deaths, with Survivors indicating the actual number may be much higher. Over recent years, numerous unmarked graves have been found at former school sites, as communities work to uncover the identities and stories of those lost.

Orange Shirt Day has been designated as a statutory holiday by the federal government. This designation follows TRC Call to Action 80, which recommends the establishment of a statutory holiday in collaboration with Indigenous peoples to recognise Survivors, their families, and communities, and to support ongoing public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools as part of the reconciliation process.

It is important to consistently engage with and respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, the MMIWG Inquiry’s Calls for Justice, and other reports recommending changes across Canada to advance the recognition of Indigenous rights and self-determination. The Athabasca Tribal Council offers a comprehensive online resource, featuring guidance on individual approaches to reconciliation: www.orangepath.ca

Orange Shirt Day is a somber day and reflecting on the residential school system can be traumatic. Should you need support, here are some resources to consider:

  • Indian Residential School Survivors Society Crisis Line: 24 hour crisis line for survivors and family of survivors. Toll-free: 1-866-925-4419.
  • First Nations Health Authority Mental Health Benefits: FNHA partners with Indigenous Services Canada to offer a comprehensive mental health plan to First Nations in BC. The plan covers counselling services from a qualified mental health provider, including psychologists, clinical counsellors and social workers. Even if you do not have status, you may be eligible for mental health support.
  • The KUU-US Crisis Line Society: 24 hour provincial Indigenous crisis line for Adults, Elders, and Youth. Toll-free: 1-800-588-8717.
  • Talk4Healing: A culturally grounded, fully confidential helpline for Indigenous women available in 14 languages all across Ontario. 1-855-554-HEAL
  • Hope for Wellness Helpline: Immediate help to all Indigenous people across Canada. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for immediate support and crisis intervention. Toll-free 1-855-242-3310

Where to Purchase an Orange Shirt?

It is good to show your solidarity for Every Child Matters, but also important to ensure that you’re purchasing from an Indigenous artist, or business, or that all the proceeds from the sales are going back to an Indigenous organization or community.

Here are some options on where to purchase orange shirts:

Cedar Roots Collective

Orange Shirt Society

Turtle Lodge Trading Post

South Island Crafts

What Events are there?

There are lots of events in support of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Vancouver Island

Greater Vancouver

Greater Toronto

Greater Montreal

For more events, please visit each city’s Eventbrite page:

Where can I donate?