September 30th commemorates the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (also known as Orange Shirt Day), for the legacy of children, families, and communities impacted by Canada’s Indian Residential School System. You can learn more about this through the Indian Residential School Survivor Society (IRSSS)
Orange Shirt Day represents the Residential School experience of Phyllis Webstad, a member of the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation and a Residential School Survivor. Her story tells us of how she had excitedly worn a shiny new orange shirt for her first day of school, only for it to be taken away by the school.
The symbol of the orange shirt represents the stripping away of culture, freedom, and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations. We wear orange shirts on September 30th to honour Survivors and Intergenerational Survivors, and to remember those children who never made it home. You can learn more about the Orange Shirt Campaign here.
Join CCPA’s Orange Shirt Campaign
Show support by wearing an orange shirt and/or participating in our awareness campaign. Print and cut out the template below (blank or orange) to display in your home or office window during the month of September. Feel free to add names or messages to show your support. Share your photos on social media using #ccpa and #orangeshirt2023
Visit our Indigenous Initiatives page!
Other Ways to Support
Little Shiny Wolf
Mercedes, owner of Little Shiny Wolf is Nisga’a and African American mixed from the Village of Gingolx located in Northern BC. Little Shiny Wolf is her name translated from Nisga’a into English, Hlgu Mihlgum Gibuu. She has been beading since 2017. She started off doing applique learning through the Story Boot School in Toronto and then moved to Brick Stitch in 2019. Colour palettes come from memories, feelings, and Seasons. Pieces are currently made in Toronto, ON.
The Orange Collection has a special place for Little Shiny Wolf. As a descendant of Residential School Survivors and Indian Day School Survivors, She is a part of the first generation to not have to attend those institutions. Being able to support in bringing awareness and contributing financially through beadwork brings healing to her, and she hopes that it brings some healing to you too.
$10.00 from each purchase of The Orange Collection is donated to the IRSSS (Indian Residential School Survivor Society)
Pre-orders will be created and shipped 1-2 weeks from date of purchase
T’ooyaksiy’niin,
Little Shiny Wolf
Latte Beads
Charlotte Knight (She/They) is a disabled Indigequeer artist, currently finishing up her sociology degree at Wilfrid Laurier University. She is currently living in Waterloo, ON- along the Haldimand Tract. Charlotte has also been working as the Indigenous Initiatives summer assistant for the CCPA.
Charlotte makes beaded and crystal jewelry, specializing in earrings. Her pieces are for all people to wear and are inspired by her life experiences. Their favourite themes to work with are pride, Halloween, and anything aqua. Charlotte strives to keep Latte Beads accessible, runs on sliding scale pricing, and has various options available for low-income BIPOC and/or 2SLGBTQIA+ folx.
She is also willing to work with people for customized pieces. You can find them on Instagram at @latte_beads , on Facebook at @latte.beads , or shoot them an email at [email protected]
$10.00 from each purchase will be donated to the IRSSS (Indian Residential School Survivor Society)
Little Shiny Wolf
Click here to visit Little Shiny Wolf’s Shop. $10.00 from each purchase of The Orange Collection is donated to the IRSSS (Indian Residential School Survivor Society)
Latte Beads
Click here to Vist Latte_Beads. $10.00 from each purchase of The Orange Collection is donated to the IRSSS (Indian Residential School Survivor Society)
Want to Purchase your own Orange Shirt?
Native North West
