Orange Shirt Day is held every year on September 30 to honour the healing journey of residential school survivors and bring awareness to the need for reconciliation. Named after Phyllis Webstad’s favourite orange shirt—taken away from her in 1973 on her first day of residential school—this day has grown from a local event in her community of Williams Lake, B.C. to a statutory holiday.

Since the discovery of the 215 Indigenous children’s bodies in the mass grave at Kamloops Residential School in 2021— a number that keeps climbing as truth is uncovered at more schools — flags across the country have been flown at half-mast and people have been wearing orange shirts to show their solidarity and commitment to reconciliation.

Many activists also encourage the wearing of orange shirts for Canada Day, too. Educators like Ian Powell of North Vancouver are underlining the importance of reconsidering what makes us Canadian, as settlers of the stolen land on which we reside.

Local shops are allowing for the purchase or pre-order of orange shirts. Below, we’ve outlined seven designs by local organizations or creators and where the proceeds will be donated to Indigenous causes that will help advance reconciliation and keep these conversations going.


Bear Horne’s Every Child Matters Shirts ($25)

This shirt was designed by Douglas “Bear” Horn. The bear helps us to follow the right path, the eagle is meant to help us envision a bright future, the hummingbird keeps our mind, body and spirit healthy, and the flower feeds the connection of all of the elements shown on the shirt. Proceeds from the sales help Eddy Charlie (a residential school survivor) and friend Kristin Spray, who both started Victoria Orange Shirt Day in 2015 to continue to spread awareness about the effects of residential schools. They’re in the process of restocking, but note they will have a full supply of shirts very shortly.


Every Child Matters Shirt ($25)

This text-only design is available at Skwachàys Lodge Aboriginal Hotel & Gallery ($25), which is a non-profit registered charity that funds living and work studios for 24 artists in residence at the lodge, run by the Vancouver Native Housing Society. Also available in youth sizes.

Shoshannah Greene’s Orange T-Shirt ($25)

This design by Haida artist Shoshannah Greene celebrates “the Indian in the Child” by depicting two children — one wearing a labret — with a copper shield between them, adorned with spruce root hats with two skil (rings). All of the above represents status since children are high-ranking. (Also available in youth sizes)


KC Hall’s Every Child Matters Shirt ($20)

Local Indigenous artist KC Hall designed this shirt for the Urban Native Youth Association. They are available in both adult and youth sizes, all of the proceeds go to UNYA. Due to unprecedented demand, they’re no longer selling the shirts online. However, they are selling them in store:

Make Vancouver Granville Island: 1648 Duranleau Street
Make Gastown: 140 Water Street

Chantelle Trainor-Matties’ Bear Paw Shirt ($20-29)

Chantelle Trainor-Matties’ Indigenous Bear Paw shirt symbolizes protection, support and love. The design shows an adult bear paw holding a bear cub’s paw.


Emma Forbes’ Every Child Matters Shirt ($32)

Emma Forbes, an Inuk-Caribbean student in Calgary, designed this shirt made from recycled bottles and organic cotton. The Inuksuk represents the Inuit children and families affected by residential schools, while the feather represents the First Nations, and the Infinity symbol represents the Métis. The circle also represents the interconnectedness of Indigenous culture.


Daniel Puglas’ Orange Shirt ($19.95)

Kwakwaka’wakw artist Daniel Puglas drew inspiration from his mother, Sally Williams, who always told him to protect his spirit. The wolf signifies loyalty, family ties, communication, education, understanding and intelligence.

A 24-hour Indian Residential School Crisis Line to support former residential school students, and those affected, can be reached any time at 1-866-925-4419.

This story was updated June 7, 2022.

Bridget Stringer-Holden

Bridget Stringer-Holden