EVERY CHILD MATTERS 2024

On September 30th, Canada wears orange. It's Orange Shirt Day, Every Child Matters and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. We wear orange to support residential school survivors and remember the children we lost. It's a way to show respect for Indigenous peoples and raise awareness of the ongoing harm.
This particular orange shirt was designed by Jenny Sawanohk, an intergenerational survivor, artist, and healer. It features a sketch of her children's moccasins – made by the late Moose Cree Elder Rosie Blueboy, and is a symbol deeply sacred to Jenny. As a mother, educator, and champion of Truth and Reconciliation, Jenny's mission is clear: to help Canadians learn, understand, and support Indigenous healing.
These moccasins rest upon an outline of Mother Earth, reminding us of the sacred connection we all share with Her. Residential schools were an attempt to sever this bond, erase Indigenous identity and the inherent right to the land. It stole children from loving parents, families and communities. 
This Orange Shirt is a powerful reminder to protect our children and our planet. It's a shirt to wear with pride, a symbol of change, representing the path towards a brighter future.
Profits from these shirts support the Misiwe Ni Relations Healing Lodge's Healing Forest, a haven for residential school survivors and their families. To learn more about Orange Shirt Day and Phyllis Webstad's story, visit www.orangeshirtday.org. Miigwech, Phyllis, for sharing your truth.