A Message from Carleton’s Kinàmàgawin Co-Chairs
Kwey, She:kon, Taanshi, Ullaquut and Hello,
Sept. 30 is Orange Shirt Day, an annual day of remembrance to acknowledge the history and lasting impacts of residential and day schools. The national movement was sparked by residential school survivor Phyllis Webstad’s story. Her orange shirt—which was removed by authorities on her first day of school—has become a symbol of the harmful impacts of Canada’s residential and day school system.
The legacy of this system lies in our not-so-distant past. In fact, some Carleton students, staff and faculty are intergenerational survivors and many First Nation, Inuit and Métis people continue to experience intergenerational trauma.
Orange Shirt Day invites Indigenous allies to show leadership in reflecting on this significant part of Canadian history as we continue to learn and take meaningful action towards conciliation in Canada, not only on Sept. 30, but every day. It is also a day when Indigenous Peoples reflect on their own families’ experiences with assimilationist and colonial policies.
Carleton is committed to conciliation with Indigenous Peoples and our Kinàmàgawin Report includes 41 calls to action to make our university a more welcoming space for current and future Indigenous students, staff and faculty members.
Campus Activities
As part of our collective commitment to truth and conciliation, an Every Child Matters flag will be flown at half-mast and both the bridge at the north end of campus and the Richcraft Hall underpass will be illuminated in orange on Sept. 30 as visible symbols of remembrance and solidarity with Indigenous communities.
On Sept. 30, we invite you to wear an Every Child Matters shirt as a meaningful gesture of reflection and support. Proceeds from Every Child Matters shirts sold through the Campus Store will be donated to the Orange Shirt Society. This year’s design was created by a sixth-grade student from Innisfail, Alberta.
Campus Safety Services is collecting donations for the Minwaashin Lodge Emergency Food Cupboard. Non-perishable food items, personal hygiene products and baby supplies can be dropped off at the Campus Safety Services Office (Pigarvik 203), Alumni Hall (at the Athletics welcome desk) or in Teraanga Commons (by the Residence Desk) until Sept. 29. Monetary donations are also welcome and can be made online at minlodge.com/donate.
Resources
The Orange Shirt Day webpage features stories, events and resources for ongoing learning. The Residential School Survivor Support Line is available 24/7 at 1-866-925-4419 for Indigenous members of the Carleton community who need support.
Join us in seeking out opportunities toward conciliation on Orange Shirt Day and beyond.
Friday, September 26, 2025 in 360, Academic, CU Parents, Mobile announcements, News
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