Orange Shirt Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Orange Shirt Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Orange Shirt Day is observed on September 30th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Orange Shirt Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as cool facts you need know about Orange Shirt Day.

📅 What day is Orange Shirt Day 2024?

In 2024, Orange Shirt Day is on Saturday, September 30th. It is the 5th Saturday in September; in 2024, it is Monday. There are until the next observance. You also can see all intriguing details and facts about September 30, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Every year on September 30th, Orange Shirt Day is commemorated to remember the indigenous Canadian children who were taken from their families and sent to residential schools, where they were forced to assimilate into the prevailing Canadian culture. This significant day serves as a reminder for us to support the survivors of these schools and to take a stand against all forms of racism, including systemic racism and bullying.

📜 Orange Shirt Day History

The Canadian government supported a system of schools called residential schools, which aimed to separate Indigenous children from their cultural traditions and prevent them from speaking their native languages. These schools were intentionally located far away from Indigenous communities to prevent parental visits. Around 150,000 children were sent to these schools, where they faced overcrowding, inadequate food, poor healthcare, and physical and sexual abuse.

Orange Shirt Day originated from a reunion gathering in 2013, where Phylis Westbad shared her experience of having her orange shirt taken away when she was sent to a residential school at the age of six. The orange shirt has since become a symbol of the destruction of Indigenous customs and the children’s traumatic experiences.

The motto of Orange Shirt Day is “Every Child Matters,” emphasizing that this applies to adults as well. It serves as a reminder that every child, regardless of their culture, race, or religion, deserves equal opportunities and fair treatment.

✅ Orange Shirt Day Facts

🔖 Color of nobles
During the Elizabethan era, only the noble class had the privilege of wearing the color orange.

🔖 Color of entertainment
In both Europe and the United States, orange and yellow colors are commonly associated with feelings of joy and amusement.

🔖 Yellow-red
Before the late 1400s, the color we now call orange was referred to as yellow-red in Europe.

👍 Why Is Orange Shirt Day Important

Another day to protest racism and bullying is “Orange Shirt Day.” It reminds us to love and appreciate one another despite our differences.

Orange Shirt Day serves as a reminder to survivors that they are not alone. We know their experiences and are here to help them on their path to recovery.

The ordeals of the children who were so horribly abused will never be forgotten. However, this day provides a safe venue for people to talk about their experiences, which will aid in their rehabilitation.

🙂 How To Observe Orange Shirt Day

⚡ Live it
Embrace the positive energy of each day and let it inspire you to be more inclusive and kind towards people, regardless of their ethnicity or religion. Instead of limiting these values to a single day, strive to practice them every day throughout the year.

⚡ Wear orange
By donning an orange shirt, you can display your solidarity with survivors and your stance against any form of bias. Let’s make it an unforgettable day for your school or organization by inspiring students to wear orange attire.

⚡ Learn more
By studying the mistakes of the past, we can avoid repeating them. By delving into the history of “Orange Shirt Day,” we can better understand the experiences of survivors and develop empathy towards them.

📅 When is Orange Shirt Day?

See all 🔗 September holidays, including 🔗 Cause and other 🔗 Awareness holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and cool facts about Orange Shirt Day. So be sure to check back soon.