Code Orange Shirt: A Symbol of Indigenous Resistance and Reconciliation

The code orange shirt is a powerful symbol of the resilience and determination of Indigenous peoples in Canada. It stands as a reminder of the horrors of the residential school system and the need for truth and reconciliation.

A Symbol of Hope and Healing

The orange shirt movement began in 2013 when Phyllis Webstad, a residential school survivor, shared her story of being stripped of her new orange t-shirt on her first day at St. Joseph's Residential School in British Columbia. The shirt became a symbol of the cultural oppression and abuse that Indigenous children faced in these institutions.

"When I got to the school, they took away my clothes, including the orange shirt my grandmother had bought me. It was like I was nothing. I didn't matter."
- Phyllis Webstad

Since then, the orange shirt has become a symbol of hope and healing for Indigenous communities across Canada. It is a reminder that the past cannot be erased, but that we must work together to create a better future.

Orange Shirt Day: A Day of Remembrance and Action

Every September 30th, Canadians wear orange shirts to commemorate Orange Shirt Day. This day is an opportunity to reflect on the legacy of residential schools and to commit to reconciliation.

"Orange Shirt Day is a day for all Canadians to remember the tragic history of residential schools and to commit to working together for a better future."
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

Call to Action

The code orange shirt movement has inspired a number of calls to action, including:

• Truth and reconciliation: The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) released 94 Calls to Action in 2015, which outlined a number of steps that Canada must take to address the legacy of residential schools.
• Education: Canadians need to be educated about the history and legacy of residential schools. This includes both Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
• Justice: Survivors of residential schools deserve justice and compensation for the harm they have suffered.
• Reconciliation: Canada must work with Indigenous peoples to build a relationship based on respect and understanding.

"Reconciliation is not a destination, it's a journey. It's about changing hearts and minds and building a better future for everyone."
- Murray Sinclair, former Chair of the TRC

Code Orange Shirt: A Model for International Action

The code orange shirt movement has had a significant impact beyond Canada. It has inspired similar movements in other countries, including the United States, Australia, and New Zealand.

This global movement is a testament to the power of symbolism and the importance of remembering the past. It is a reminder that we must all work together to create a more just and equitable world for Indigenous peoples.

The Impact of the Code Orange Shirt Movement

The code orange shirt movement has had a profound impact on Canadian society. It has raised awareness about the history and legacy of residential schools, and it has inspired a number of calls to action.

"The code orange shirt movement has helped to change the way Canadians think about residential schools. It has opened up a dialogue about this dark chapter in our history."
- Dr. Cindy Blackstock, Executive Director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society

Key Findings from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission

The TRC's 94 Calls to Action outlined a number of key findings about the residential school system, including:

• Residential schools were a form of cultural genocide. The goal of these schools was to assimilate Indigenous children into Euro-Canadian society. This involved stripping them of their language, culture, and traditions.
• Residential schools had a devastating impact on Indigenous families and communities. The children who were forced to attend these schools were often subjected to physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. Many of them died while attending residential school.
• The legacy of residential schools continues to affect Indigenous peoples today. The survivors of residential schools often suffer from PTSD, depression, and other mental health issues. They are also more likely to experience poverty and homelessness.

Calls to Action

The TRC's 94 Calls to Action include a number of specific steps that Canada must take to address the legacy of residential schools. These calls to action include:

• Education: All Canadians should be educated about the history and legacy of residential schools. This includes both Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
• Health: Canada must provide culturally appropriate health services to survivors of residential schools. These services should include mental health and addiction treatment.
• Justice: Survivors of residential schools deserve justice and compensation for the harm they have suffered. Canada must establish a national inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.
• Reconciliation: Canada must work with Indigenous peoples to build a relationship based on respect and understanding. This includes implementing the TRC's 94 Calls to Action.

How the Code Orange Shirt Movement Can Inspire Us

The code orange shirt movement is a reminder of the resilience and determination of Indigenous peoples. It is also a reminder of the importance of truth and reconciliation.

We can all learn from the code orange shirt movement. We can all learn from the survivors of residential schools. We can all learn from the Indigenous peoples of Canada.

We can all be a part of building a better future for Indigenous peoples. We can all work together to create a more just and equitable world.

What You Can Do

There are many ways that you can get involved in the code orange shirt movement. Here are a few ideas:

• Wear an orange shirt on Orange Shirt Day. This is a simple way to show your support for Indigenous peoples and to remember the history and legacy of residential schools.
• Educate yourself about the history and legacy of residential schools. There are a number of resources available online and in libraries.
• Support Indigenous organizations. There are many Indigenous organizations that are working to address the legacy of residential schools. You can donate to these organizations or volunteer your time.
• Speak out against racism and discrimination. Racism and discrimination against Indigenous peoples is still a problem in Canada. You can speak out against racism and discrimination and help to create a more inclusive society.

Conclusion

The code orange shirt is a powerful symbol of the resilience and determination of Indigenous peoples. It is also a reminder of the importance of truth and reconciliation.

We can all learn from the code orange shirt movement. We can all learn from the survivors of residential schools. We can all learn from the Indigenous peoples of Canada.

We can all be a part of building a better future for Indigenous peoples. We can all work together to create a more just and equitable world.

FAQs

1. What is the history of the code orange shirt?

The code orange shirt movement began in 2013 when Phyllis Webstad, a residential school survivor, shared her story of being stripped of her new orange shirt on her first day at St. Joseph's Residential School in British Columbia.

2. What is the significance of the code orange shirt?

The orange shirt is a symbol of the cultural oppression and abuse that Indigenous children faced in residential schools. It is also a symbol of hope and healing.

3. What is Orange Shirt Day?

Orange Shirt Day is a day of remembrance and action that takes place every September 30th. On this day, Canadians wear orange shirts to commemorate the history and legacy of residential schools.

4. What are the TRC's 94 Calls to Action?

The TRC's 94 Calls to Action outline a number of steps that Canada must take to address the legacy of residential schools. These calls to action include education, health, justice, and reconciliation.

5. What can I do to get involved in the code orange shirt movement?

There are many ways to get involved in the code orange shirt movement. You can wear an orange shirt on Orange Shirt Day, educate yourself about the history and legacy of residential schools, support Indigenous organizations, and speak out against racism and discrimination.

Tables

Table 1: Key Findings from the TRC

Table 2: TRC's 94 Calls to Action

Table 3: Ways to Get Involved in the Code Orange Shirt Movement