Commemorating Orange Shirt Day, 2024

On September 30^th faculty, staff, students and community members across University College commemorated the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day through a series of informative displays, a special dining hall menu item, and by wearing orange shirts.

Both dates of recognition—one Indigenous-led and the other established by the federal government—call for remembrance, reflection, and action around the history and devastating legacy of residential schools. Throughout the day there were opportunities to listen from survivors and to learn about the ongoing impact of the schools on Indigenous peoples and communities, while also honouring the children who never returned home from these institutions.

Orange Shirt Day is based on the story of Phyllis Webstad, who in 1973, entered the St. Joseph Mission Residential School at the age of six. She was stripped of the bright orange shirt that had been bought especially for her first day of school, and was instead forced to wear the institutional uniform.

In solidarity with Phyllis Webstad and those whose lives were—and continue to be—affected by the legacy of residential schools, and in recognition of University College’s ongoing work and commitment towards Truth and Reconciliation, faculty and staff across the college wore orange shirts designed by UTM Ojibwe student, MJ Singleton.

Histories and stories of Indigenous resilience—with special emphasis on those told by Indigenous voices—were displayed at the entrance of the UC Library, while student leaders created an informative exhibit about the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation mounted outside Howard Ferguson Dining Hall. Diners who passed by the exhibit or Cafe Reznikoff on September 30 could also enjoy Three Sisters Soup which was served as a special menu item during lunch and dinner hours.