Participate in Orange Shirt Day on Sept. 30

Every year on Sept. 30, people across Canada wear orange and participate in Orange Shirt Day events to recognize and raise awareness about the history and consequences of the residential school system in Canada. It is an opportunity for everyone to engage with the legacies of the residential school system and show their solidarity.  

All UBC community members are encouraged to participate in Orange Shirt Day – consider attending a local event, supporting local initiatives, helping to spread awareness, and taking some time for personal reflection. Activities and events for students, faculty and staff will take place on the Vancouver and Okanagan campuses over September and October. 

You can get involved in a number of ways: 

• Join an intergenerational march at UBC Vancouver on Sept. 30 to commemorate the day.
• Participate in events and activities, such as book launches, film screenings, etc. 

Find out more about events on your campus. You can also access resources and more information. 

The Orange Shirt Day movement was started by Phyllis Webstad from the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation and a former residential school student to honour survivors and intergenerational survivors and remember the children who never made it home.  

Note: Sept. 30 is also National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Day. UBC will be observing this statutory holiday on Oct. 2. 

Learn more about Orange Shirt Day