Orange Shirt Day & National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
UVic pledges to uphold ʔetalnəw̓əl̓ | ÁTOL,NEUEL | respecting the rights of one another and being in right relationship with all things. We're working to foster truth, respect and mutual understanding with all Indigenous peoples and communities.
What is Orange Shirt Day?
Orange Shirt Day is a national movement in Canada that takes place on September 30. In this annual event, Indigenous and non-Indigenous people come together in the spirit of hope and reconciliation to honour former residential-school students, their families and communities.
The day is inspired by survivor Phyllis Webstad, who had her new orange shirt taken from her on her first day at residential school—a moment that has come to symbolize the stripping away of identity, culture and dignity experienced by so many Indigenous children.
The residential-school era began in the early 1870s, with the last school closing in 1996. More than 150,000 Indigenous, Métis and Inuit children attended these schools. There are an estimated 80,000 survivors living today.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
September 30 is also a federal statutory holiday created to honour the lost children and survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. 2025 marks 10 years since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission released its 94 Calls to Action.
This year, UVic is recognizing both days on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025—a time to reflect on the past 10 years, the progress made, and the resilience of Indigenous individuals, families and communities.
Resources and support
Wearing an orange shirt on Sept. 29 and 30 is a powerful way to honour survivors and raise awareness.
Orange shirts are available at the UVic Bookstore, with proceeds supporting:
- the Witness Blanket Project,
- the Orange Shirt Society, and
- ITOTELNE TEL ṮE: Learning From One Another (UVic’s Elders Engagement Fund).
You can also support reconciliation by learning about the history and ongoing impacts of residential schools, reviewing the 94 Calls to Action, and reflecting on the meaning of Orange Shirt Day and its place in reconciliation—see UVic’s Indigenous Plan.
UVic Event details
Faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members are invited to attend campus Orange Shirt Day events on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025 from 11 am to 12:15 pm in the Quad.
The university will be closed on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025 to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
For more resources and event details, visit uvic.ca/orangeshirtday.
- Posted September 8, 2025