On September 28, UVic faculty, staff and students are encouraged to wear orange shirts to show respect for residential school survivors and their families. Be a partner in the work of reconciliation by attending events, listening, learning and taking part in discussions that promote mutual understanding and respect.
The date of the annual event was chosen because it is the time of year that children were taken from their homes to residential schools. Orange Shirt Day has become an annual opportunity to honour the survivors whose families and communities have been impacted by the residential school system. It is also an opportunity to set the stage for anti-racism and anti-bullying initiatives for the year ahead.
The residential school era began in the early 1870’s, with the last school closing in 1996. More than 150,000 Indigenous, Métis and Inuit children attended these schools, with an estimated 80,000 survivors living today.
The design for the UVic orange shirt was contributed by artist Carey Newman (Coast Salish/Kwagiulth). Newman is the Audain Professor of Contemporary Art Practice of the Pacific Northwest with the Department of Visual Arts.
Proceeds from T-shirt sales support the ITOTELNEW̱TEL ȽTE: LEARNING FROM ONE ANOTHER fund and the Witness Blanket project. Additional donations are also welcome.
- UVic departments: Bulk orders for 2018 are now closed.
- Individuals may purchase T-shirts at the UVic Bookstore ($20 per shirt) while quantities last.
If you already have an orange shirt, feel free to wear it on Orange Shirt Day. Please consider making an additional $20 donation to the ITOTELNEW̱TEL ȽTE: LEARNING FROM ONE ANOTHER fund this year. The fund provides meaningful engagement with Elders for students, faculty and staff.
On-campus events for Orange Shirt Day – Sept. 28
12:15 p.m. – Wear your orange shirt for a group photo near the fountain
Show solidarity with residential school survivors and their families.
1-3 p.m. – Why Art Matters to Reconciliation, special event at First Peoples House
1 p.m. Welcome and introductions
1:15 p.m. President Jamie Cassels introduces the ITOTELNEW̱TEL ȽTE: LEARNING FROM ONE ANOTHER (Elders Engagement) fund (Elders Engagement Fund).
1:20 – 3 p.m. Join emcee Chancellor Shelagh Rogers, Dr. Andrea Walsh (anthropology) and special guests for a panel discussion: Personal stories of residential school experiences, and present-day healing through childhood paintings created at the Alberni Indian Residential School.
Following the discussion, Vice-President Academic and Provost Valerie Kuehne will provide closing comments.
Free event. Please arrive early as seating is limited.