Orange Shirt Day
September 30 is Orange Shirt Day in honour of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. On this day, the University of Calgary recognizes and raises awareness about the residential school system in Canada, bringing people together in the spirit of reconciliation and honouring the experiences of Indigenous peoples.
Orange Shirt Day is an opportunity to explore the impact of residential schools, intergenerational trauma, and Indigenous resilience. The date was chosen as it aligns with the time of year when Indigenous children were forcibly taken from their homes to attend residential schools. Many did not return home, many were traumatized for life, and some were brave enough to share their stories. Through the acknowledgement of truth and increased awareness, we aspire to become a country where “Every Child Matters.”
Join UCalgary’s Office of Indigenous Engagement and Calgary Public Library on Orange Shirt Day for a day of learning in recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Afternoon Panel Discussion
Date: Sept. 30
Time: 12 – 1:30 p.m. MST
Location: Husky Oil Great Hall, inside the Rozsa Centre, University of Calgary
Join UCalgary’s Office of Indigenous Engagement in partnership with Calgary Public Library for a panel discussion with Cora Voyageur, Lee Crowchild, and Kathleen Mahoney, revisiting the final report on Truth and Reconciliation in light of the unmarked graves, the papal visit, and the path forward. This panel will be moderated by Dr. Michael Hart, UCalgary’s Vice-Provost (Indigenous Engagement), with an opening prayer by Elder Reg Crowshoe and remarks from Sarah Meilleur, Calgary Public Library’s CEO.
If you are unable to make it to the event in-person, please register here to watch event live online.
Evening Film Screening
Date: Sept. 30
Time: 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. MST
Location: Patricia A. Whelan Performance Hall, Calgary Central Library
Presented by Calgary Public Library in partnership with UCalgary’s Office of Indigenous Engagement, join us for a free viewing of Night Raiders with special remarks from Sarah Meilleur, Calgary Public Library’s CEO and Dr. Michael Hart, UCalgary’s Vice-Provost (Indigenous Engagement).
Night Raiders is set in a post-war future that follows the journey of a mother trying to rescue her daughter from a state-run institution. From a dystopian sci-fi perspective, this thrilling and compelling story digs deep into Canada's painful past about the forced assimilation of indigenous peoples due to colonial practices.
If you are unable to make it to the event in-person, please register here to watch event live online.
More Orange Shirt Day events
Canadians are encouraged to show their support of Orange Shirt Day by using #orangeshirtday and #everychildmatters on social media, learning about its origins and residential schools, and honour survivors by wearing orange.
Wellness Support
Hope for Wellness Help Line and Chat
1-855-242-3310
National Indian Residential School Resolution Help Support Program
1-866-925-4419
Awo Taan Healing Lodge Society
24-hour Crisis Line
403-531-1972 or 403-531-197
Elbow River Healing Lodge
Traditional Wellness and Healing (Spiritual, Cultural, and Ceremonial supports)
403-955-660
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)
403-297-1700
Distress Centre
403-266-HELP (4357)
CCASA – Calgary Communities Against Sexual Assault
403-237-6905
Writing Symbols Lodge Wellness and Cultural Support
Addiction Helpline
Available 24/7 1-866-332-2322
Urgent Care for Mental Health
Sheldon Chumir 1213-4th street SW or,
South Calgary Health Centre: 31 Sunpark Plaza SE or call 403-943-9300
Kids Help Phone
Text CONNECT to 686868 or call 1-800-668-6868
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Support Line
1-844-413-6649
Education & Teaching Resources
Calgary Public Library Indigenous Services
Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Reconciliation Canada
Provides programs and initiatives to inspire positive change in communities. The resource page provides links to the TRC webpage, Calls to Action, findings from the commission and other resources.
Legacy of Hope Foundation
An overview of the history of residential schools. Includes oral histories and survivor stories.
Residential Schools Podcast Series
Made by Historica Canada
National Center for Truth and Reconciliation, University of Manitoba
Resources for students from elementary to high school about the Residential School experiences and some history. The information is sectioned into level of grade.
First Nations Child and Family Caring Society
Provides research, policy, professional development and networking to support First Nations child and family service agencies in caring for First Nations children, youth and families.
Teacher Resource Guide
Developed by the First Nations Education Steering Committee in British Columbia. FNESC is a policy and advocacy organization that represents and works on behalf of First Nations in British Columbia.
Wellness Support and Resources PDF