Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30 create space to learn, reflect, and continue building understanding grounded in truth.

At the University of Saskatchewan, this work is guided by the Cree and Michif teaching of manacihitowin, meaning "let us respect each other."

This teaching calls for building respectful, reciprocal relationships grounded in care, humility, and shared responsibility. It reflects an understanding that reconciliation is not a destination, but an ongoing journey that requires continued learning and commitment.

It is also shaped by ohpahotân | oohpaahotaan, meaning “let’s fly up together.” It reflects a shared commitment to move forward together in a good way through learning, reflection, and meaningful action.

Learning does not begin or end on a single day. It continues through conversations, relationships, and shared efforts to move forward in a good way.

Orange Shirt Day marks the experiences of Indigenous children who were taken from their families and placed in residential schools across Canada.

In these schools, children were separated from their language, culture, and communities. Many experienced harm, and many never returned home. The impacts of this system continue to be felt today.

The message “Every Child Matters” recognizes those experiences and affirms the importance of remembering this history.

Sept. 30 creates space to acknowledge what happened, to learn, and to help ensure that this history is not overlooked or forgotten. For some, this day is deeply personal. For others, it may be a starting point for understanding. Both are part of the ongoing work of learning and reconciliation.

“I created this piece as a way to reflect on the meaning of Orange Shirt Day while honouring the children who never returned home, the Survivors, and the families and communities impacted by residential schools. The people, figures, and stars throughout the design represent those who came before us, those who are here today, and the generations still to come. I was once told that ‘when we honour those who came before us, we honour ourselves and the generations still to come,’ and that's something I've carried with me. While this artwork acknowledges a difficult part of our history, I also wanted it to reflect the importance of community, support, and the ways we continue to show up for each other.

Flowers are a recurring element in my artwork and often represent growth, connection, and care. In this piece, they symbolize healing, hope, and the importance of supporting future generations. The colours throughout the artwork draw inspiration from the Medicine Wheel and its teachings of balance, harmony, interconnectedness, and respect for all things. To me, these teachings are a reminder of the importance of listening, learning, and taking the time to better understand experiences and perspectives beyond our own.

The USask green was used in the flower stems, acknowledging the University of Saskatchewan's ongoing commitment to Truth and Reconciliation. It represents the role that institutions, communities, and individuals all play in learning, reflecting, and showing up for one another.

I hope this piece encourages people to take a moment to reflect, continue learning, and remember that reconciliation is something we all have a part in.”

- Alexis Blackbird

Alexis Blackbird is an Indigenous artist based in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, on Treaty 6 Territory. She is Anishinaabe (Odawa), originally from Ontario, and is a member of Walpole Island First Nation. As the artist behind Blackbird Beading & Design, she creates contemporary art that brings together playful designs inspired by her everyday experiences, stories and teachings, and creative expression. Through her work, she hopes people feel a sense of pride, connection, and joy when wearing, sharing, or displaying her art.

Each year, people mark Sept. 30 in different ways. Wearing orange on Sept. 30 is one visible way to take part and to help keep the acknowledgement of residential school history present in everyday spaces.

Across communities, this shared visibility helps ensure that this history and its impacts are not overlooked or forgotten. Taking part may also include learning, listening, reflecting, and having conversations with others in ways that feel thoughtful and appropriate.

2026 shirts featuring a design by Alexis Blackbird will be available through Shop USask beginning Monday, July 13. Ordering early helps support planning and increases the likelihood of receiving items before Sept. 30.

This program brings together the Indigenous Space and Visual Symbols in the Health Sciences Committee and Shop USask in support of Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30.

Each year, an Indigenous artist is invited to share their voice through original artwork. This creates opportunities for learning and reflection across the university and beyond.

Proceeds from Orange Shirt Day merchandise contribute to work connected to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, with a portion of proceeds also directed to the artist.

The following resources are available to support learning, reflection, and continued engagement with the history and ongoing impacts of the Canadian residential school system, Orange Shirt Day, and the broader context of Truth and Reconciliation:

• Office of the Vice-Provost Indigenous Engagement (OVPIE) – Learn about Indigenization, decolonization, Indigenous wellness resources and cultural history: OVPIE website
• USask Spotlight – Visit spotlight.usask.ca for information on events and programming taking place on campus and in the community as Orange Shirt Day approaches. The site also features Indigenous wellness resources, community supports, and opportunities for continued learning and engagement
• I-Portal: Indigenous Studies Portal – Access a wide range of Indigenous-focused academic and cultural resources: I-Portal
• USask Orange Shirt Day research guide – Explore a curated collection of resources to support education, reflection and action: USask library guide
• Orange Shirt Day – Learn about the origins of this day through the story shared by Phyllis Webstad: orangeshirtday.org
• Office of the Treaty Commissioner: Reconciliation in Saskatchewan – Learn how individuals, communities and organizations across the province are advancing Truth and Reconciliation through local initiatives, partnerships and shared visioning: otc.ca
• Saskatoon Tribal Council – Learn about programs and services led by STC that support health, justice, education, family well-being, employment and community development in partnership with seven member First Nations: sktc.sk.ca
• Every Child Matters: Truth and Reconciliation – Access educational videos shared by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation: nctr.ca

Health and wellness supports

• Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line – 24/7 support for survivors: 1-866-925-4419
• Hope for Wellness Help Line – 24/7 counselling for Indigenous peoples: 1-855-242-3310 or hopeforwellness.ca
• USask Student Affairs and Outreach – Support for students: 306-966-5757 or student.outreach@usask.ca

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