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 we have undertaken is uplifting Indigenous art and artists within our Edwards community. This year, the Indigenous Working Group decided to collaborate with the Indigenous Business Students' Society (IBSS) on an orange shirt design.

Orange shirt proceeds will be directed to Celia Munroe, the creator of this year's piece, as well as to The Orange Shirt Society.

This piece centres around a tree that symbolizes both the loss of Indigenous children and identity while also highlighting the resilience of the Aboriginal Canadians across the country. The roots of the tree are growing out of moccasins, which represents both the lives of those who never got to return to their homes, and the lasting devastating impacts of residential schools. The roots do not just grow on the shoe, rather they grow out of them, recognizing the historical injustices committed against Indigenous peoples are not separate from the present, but are rather deeply embedded within it.

Above the tree, an eagle can be seen soaring. This eagle represents guidance, divine protection, and connection between Indigenous peoples and their people, communities, and culture. The eagle also represents a significant connection to spirit among Indigenous peoples.

The eagle being above the tree symbolizes that it does not interrupt the tree from growing, rather it is existing alongside it; symbolizing that the growth and resilience of Indigenous peoples is watched and protected by ones they have lost.

Together, these elements reflect both remembrance and resilience. While the design honours those who were taken, it also recognizes that Indigenous cultures and identities continue to grow despite the hardships they have been dealt.

"Every Child Matters" is included in English and Plains Cree to acknowledge the importance of language, and to honour the voices that residential schools attempted to erase.

This piece is meant to hold space for grief, while also affirming strength and the responsibility to remember.

- Celia Munroe

Celia Munroe is an Indigenous artist from Prince Albert and Muskoday First Nation, currently residing in Saskatoon. She is in her final year at the University of Saskatchewan, where she is pursuing a degree in Sociology with a minor in Psychology.

Celia has been creating art from a young age and recently began taking on commissioned work. Her most recent commission involved designing merchandise for the Indigenous Business Students' Society at the University of Saskatchewan.

Through her artwork, Celia hopes to honour Indigenous storytelling, community, and resilience while creating meaningful designs that encourage reflection and connection. This project was created in the spirit of remembrance, reflection, and ongoing reconciliation.

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.

EVERY CHILD MATTERS is a trademark owned by the Orange Shirt Society and is used under license.