The University of Saskatchewan Plan 2025 recognizes that, “as a community, we have a shared responsibility to honour and join in the journey of reconciliation” and the truth that “residential schooling exploited education as a tool to destroy identity.”

Together, we can come together in the spirit of reconciliation, work toward rebuilding relationships, and move forward in a good way by sharing the truth of the residential school system.

The annual Orange Shirt Day on September 30 opens the door to global conversation on all aspects of Residential Schools. It is an opportunity to create meaningful discussion about the effects of Residential Schools and the legacy they have left behind. A discussion all Canadians can tune into and create bridges with each other for reconciliation. A day for survivors to be reaffirmed that they matter, and so do those that have been affected.

The Indigenous Initiatives Working Group in the Edwards School of Business formed in 2022 and is working towards decolonizing our spaces and upholding our commitment towards reconciliation. One of these initiatives is encouraging and participating in Orange Shirt Day within our Edwards community.

The Saskatoon Tribal Council encourages ongoing education and awareness of Truth and Reconciliation and Residential School Survivors throughout the year. In Edwards, since we don’t have that many classes on Fridays, we support this by wearing orange on the last Thursday and Friday of every month to demonstrate our collective learning and commitment to reconciliation.

Another initiative is uplifting Indigenous art and artists within our Edwards community.

In 2023, Edwards commissioned artist Dante Carter, Cree from Onion Lake Cree Nation, to create an original acrylic on canvas. The design was subsequently screen-printed on orange shirts for the Edwards community. The shirts featuring the "Astam My Child" design by Dante Carter are now available through Shop USask.

Orange shirt proceeds will be directed to Dante and to the charity Mamawe Ohkamihk.

Title: "Astam My Child" 

Artist: Dante Carter

"Astam my girl." I can vividly hear these words that were spoken to me as a child and well into my adult life. Astam (come here) my girl, spoken to me by my grandparents, that to me, held so much meaning. These inviting words, sometimes spoken softly, sometimes not so, always brought me towards a family member with open ears. It was often to whisper that there were leftover cookies or some type of sweet hidden away that I was given detailed instructions to find. At other times, I was grateful to be invited to come sit and listen to stories or teachings from my "Chapan" (great grandmother) or my Mushum (grandpa), mostly about Mother Earth and her birds. Looking back, I cannot recall any stories about their experiences at residential schools, yet both were survivors. This painting is inspired by those stories that were never told, for those who survived but were silenced by trauma, and those who are with our Creator and have stories that are just beginning. The children taken and inner child of survivors, that are only now okay to be comforted and grieved aloud. "Astam my child, we can heal together." 

To learn more about Orange Shirt Day and the Canadian residential school system, please visit the links below or feel free to begin your own research on this tragic period of Canadian history:

• Learn about Indigenization, decolonization, Indigenous wellness resources, and the history of Indigenous Peoples and cultures through the Office of the Vice-Provost Indigenous Engagement (OVPIE) website and the University Library's I-Portal: Indigenous Studies Portal.
• OrangeShirtDay.org
• Reconciliation Saskatchewan
• Saskatoon Tribal Council
• Every Child Matters: Truth - Act One and Every Child Matters: Reconciliation - Act Two (via The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation)
• History of Residential Schools in Canada (via Canadian Geographic Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada)
• ‘Cultural genocide’: the shameful history of Canada’s residential schools – mapped (via The Guardian)
• Residential Schools in Canada: A Timeline (video via Historic Canada)
• Stolen Children | Residential School survivors speak out (video via CBC News: The National)
• Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (Government of Canada)

For emotional crisis referral services and information on other health supports from the Government of Canada, residential school survivors can call 1-866-925-4419.

The University of Saskatchewan community is encouraged to access support services through Student Affairs and Outreach by calling (306) 966-5757 or emailing intake@usask.ca.

The Hope for Wellness Help Line is also available to Indigenous peoples across Canada 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for counselling and crisis intervention. Toll-free at 1-855-242-3310 or available via online chat at hopeforwellness.ca.

• 50% cotton, 50% polyester
• Pill-resistant air jet yarn
• Double-needle stitching throughout
• Double-lined hood
• 1x1 ribbed cuffs and waistband with spandex