IB PYP Education
Every Child Matters | CIS Orange Shirt Day: Remembrance and Care
Every year from late September to early October, schools in Canada hold “Orange Shirt Day” to commemorate Indigenous children who suffered unfair treatment in residential schools and to remind people to reflect on cultural respect and inclusion.
This year marks the second time CIS has held this special commemorative event, enabling students not only to learn about this historical event but also to take part in meaningful creative activities.
The Origin of Orange Shirt Day
European colonizers established the "Indian Residential Schools" system in North America. In 1973, a 6-year-old Indigenous girl, Phyllis Webstad, lived on the Dog Creek reserve near Williams Lake in British Columbia. Her grandmother bought her an orange shirt as a gift for entering the residential school.
However, when Phyllis arrived at the school, the shirt was confiscated and never returned. Phyllis felt that her identity and culture had been stripped away. Many years later, she launched the "Orange Shirt Day" movement to commemorate the survivors of the residential schools and reflect on this painful history. The movement later spread widely across Canada and internationally.
Create orange T-shirts to
represent the commemoration
This year’s Orange Shirt Day event was simple yet meaningful. From kindergarten to elementary and secondary school, teachers and students worked together to decorate T-shirts, expressing their support for the slogan “Every Child Matters.”
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Photos of the ECE 's Orange Shirt Day event
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Photos of the ES Grades 1 to 3's Orange Shirt Day event
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Photos of the ES Grades 4 to 6 's Orange Shirt Day event
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Photos of the ES 's Orange Shirt Day event
Tie on the ribbon as a symbol
of commitment and care
The highlight of the event was the orange ribbon ceremony, where students wrote their names on the ribbons and hung them on the tree in the hall, symbolizing remembrance of the history of residential schools and a commitment to the future.
ECE Orange Ribbon Ceremony
ES Orange Ribbon Ceremony
SS Orange Ribbon Ceremony
Finally, everyone wore orange T-shirts for a group photo, showcasing the unity and warmth of the CIS family.
Through the Orange Shirt Day event, CIS students not only gained a deeper understanding of the history of different countries, but also expressed their commitment to the future through creativity and action. This event allowed everyone to feel the power of unity and love, while deepening respect and understanding for diverse cultures. Orange Shirt Day will continue to inspire us to collectively focus on, reflect upon, and work towards changing the future.