The University of Windsor is committed to reconciliation. We're working to foster respect and mutual understanding with all Indigenous peoples and communities. You can partner in the work of reconciliation by listening, learning, and sharing on Orange Shirt Day.
What is Orange Shirt Day - National Day for Truth and Reconciliation?
Orange Shirt Day - National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a national movement and annual event in Canada. During this day Indigenous and non-Indigenous people come together in the spirit of hope and reconciliation to honour those who attended residential schools, their families, and communities.
Take time to learn about the impacts of the policies and actions of the Government of Canada and the churches that operated the schools. We listen to the stories of survivors and their families and remember those that didn’t make it home.
The observance of Orange Shirt Day on campus is Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
Residential school survivor, Phyllis Webstad began observing this day in Williams Lake, BC in 2013 at the St. Joseph Mission (SJM) residential school commemoration event at which told the story of her shiny new orange shirt that was taken away from her on her first day of school at the SJM.
Orange Shirt Day occurs in early fall because this is the time of year when children were removed from their families and forced to attend residential schools.
The residential school era began in the early 1870’s, with the last school closing in 1996. More than 150,000 First Nations, Métis and Inuit children attended these schools. There are an estimated 80,000 survivors living today.
Campus Events
Orange Shirt Merchandise Pop-ups
CAW Student Centre
- Wednesday, September 23 and Tuesday, September 29
- 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Toldo Lancer Centre (reception desk)
- Month of September during open hours
Orange Shirt Day T-shirts are available for sale throughout the month at the Toldo Lancer Centre reception desk and at two pop-up sales events held in CAW Commons, Sept. 23 and 29 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Proceeds will go to supporting Indigenous student success. Please note, the centre is licensed to sell Every Child Matters items.
Lawn signs, hoodies, hats, t-shirts, pins and cookbooks are available. Cash and card accepted. If you cannot make it to a pop-up date, please email Victoria at vhecnar@uwindsor.ca.
Every Child Matters Walk & Flag Raising
Wednesday, September 30, 9:15 a.m.
Turtle Island Walk - River Commons and Chrysler Hall Tower Courtyard
Join the campus community in a reflective walk beginning at the Big Turtle Sculpture and concluding with a flag raising at the west steps of Chrysler Tower, honouring the children and survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities.
Orange Shirt Day Heart Photo
Wednesday, September 30, 1:00 p.m.
West Entrance - Ron W. Ianni Faculty of Law
Show your support by wearing orange and joining Windsor Law for their annual Orange Heart Photo at the west entrance of the Ron W. Ianni Faculty of Law, a visual tribute to truth and reconciliation.
Indigenous Allyship Guide
The University’s new Indigenous Allyship Guide encourages readers to approach allyship as an ongoing journey of learning, reflection and action. It is intended as a starting point for understanding local Indigenous history and context and supporting non-Indigenous members of the University community who wish to engage in allyship. Learn more >
More Ways to Get Involved in the Community
- Truth and Reconciliation Gathering
- Free Admission to Chimczuk Museum and Art Windsor-Essex
- The Witness Blanket - final day at the Chimczuk Museum
- Honour Walk & Community Gathering
- Community Display: Planting the Seeds for Truth & Reconciliation
- Community Display: Memengwaa / Butterflies
- Caldwell First Nation Orange Shirt Day
Hear Our Stories
Orange Shirt Day is an annual event held each September 30th in remembrance of the Canadian Residential School system and the impact of this government policy on First Nations. Phyllis Webstad presents her memories of Residential schools and the meaning of Orange Shirt Day.
Susie Kicknosway Jones shares her experiences with us as a First Nations person and a Christian. She reflects on her life, the suffering she had endured, and how she lives now as a survivor of the residential school system and a follower of Jesus.
Gregg Deal is a husband, father, artist and a member of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe. As a provocative contemporary artist-activist much of Deal’s work deals with Indigenous identity and pop culture, touching on issues of race relations, historical consideration and stereotype. With this work—including paintings, mural work, performance art, filmmaking and spoken word—Deal critically examines issues within Indian country such as decolonization, the Native mascot issue and appropriation.
Annie's personal experience contextualizes her talk, which focuses on the importance of family and community in overcoming traumatic experiences.
Still interested in contributing?
You can also support our Indigenous students by donating to the Geoffrey H Wood Native Bursary endowment.
Geoffrey H Wood Native Bursary endowment is for students who are of Aboriginal ancestry (status, non-status, Metis, Bill C31, Innu, and Inuit), maintain satisfactory academic standing, and demonstrate financial need.
Healing and Support
To enable reflection and participation in community events, please do not hold/schedule meetings on September 30. Provide the time for your team to learn about the significance of the Orange Shirt Day and support those who need time to heal. Some of the topics covered may be distressing or triggering, please see below for resources.
Indigenous Student Services Centre - a welcoming space where First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students can connect, access support, and thrive. Located at Vanier Hall A, open Mon – Fri, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Student Counselling Centre - a space where registered students can access confidential mental health services at no additional cost to them. To book an appointment visit Room 242, CAW Centre, call 519-253-3000 ext 4616 or email scc@uwindsor.ca. Open Mon – Fri, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, closed noon – 12:30 pm
Additional Resources
- The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund - Indigenous Reconciliation
- Hope for Wellness Helpline 24/7 help for all Indigenous people across Canada, by phone or online chat
- Indian Residential School Survivors Society Support Services
- National Residential School Crisis Line 1-888-925-4419
- Orange Shirt Society
- Talk 4 Healing Crisis Line 1-888-200-9997 for Indigenous women in 14 languages across Canada
- Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action - Government of Canada
Backgrounds and Signatures
Virtual Meeting Backgrounds: Save the photos below and follow the instructions to apply them to your Microsoft Teams or Zoom Meeting.
Email Signature: Add Orange Shirt Day to your email signature.
View instructions to learn how to add Orange Shirt Day to your email signature.