Orange Shirt Day: Reflecting on Our
Collective Past and Building Hope
by Mary Parker, Senior Interior Designer at EAPC Architects Engineers
As we approach September 30th, I find myself reflecting more deeply on the significance of Orange Shirt Day—a day dedicated to remembering and honoring the Indigenous children who were forcibly sent to residential and boarding schools. This day holds a special place in our hearts as we acknowledge the painful history and resilience of Indigenous communities in both Canada and the United States.
The origin of Orange Shirt Day is anchored in the experience of Phyllis Webstad from the St. Joseph’s Mission School in Williams Lake, British Columbia. Phyllis’s story, where her cherished orange shirt—a gift from her grandmother—was taken from her on her first day at residential school, poignantly highlights the stripping away of personal and cultural identity that many children endured. This orange shirt has now become a symbol of the loss and resilience experienced by Indigenous children.
At EAPC, we are profoundly aware of the role that spaces play in shaping identities and experiences. As an interior designer, I am dedicated to creating environments that respect and reflect the diverse cultures and histories of all communities, particularly those we have the privilege to work with. Our ongoing collaborations with Indigenous communities are a source of immense pride for us. These partnerships, built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to honoring heritage and fostering community well-being, are integral to our mission.
On Orange Shirt Day, our actions—whether wearing an orange shirt, educating ourselves and others, or participating in commemorative events—serve as commitments to reconciliation and understanding. This year, I will be leading a commemorative run for Native Women Run along with the Minneapolis American Indian Center’s Four Winds Native Running Club and Ninniijanis One of Ones on September 30th. We will be dedicating each step to the children who endured these schools’ harsh realities, including my grandparents. This run is not just a physical activity but a moving tribute to the past and a step towards healing.
Supporting organizations that work directly with survivors and their families is crucial. I encourage everyone to consider contributing to The National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition or the Indian Residential School Survivors Society. Their work is vital in healing and advocacy, helping to ensure that the truths of these experiences are acknowledged and addressed.
As we stand together on Orange Shirt Day, let’s renew our commitment to understanding the full impact of this history and supporting the ongoing process of reconciliation. Let's use this day to reflect on how we, as individuals and as a community, including our work at EAPC, can contribute to a future where the rights and dignities of all people are respected.
To learn more and support these efforts, please visit:
- The National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition
- Indian Residential School Survivors Society
Together, we can turn our awareness into meaningful action and ensure that the stories of those affected by residential schools continue to teach and inspire future generations towards greater understanding and empathy.
Come run with us!
