Brandon University (BU) will observe Orange Shirt Day, in recognition of the harm done by Canada’s residential school system, on Friday, Sept. 28.

Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to wear orange shirts to BU on Friday. A ceremony will be held in the Gathering Space of the John E. Robbins Library at 11 a.m., in the spirit of reconciliation and hope for generations of children to come. The event will include a prayer by Knowledge Keeper Barb Blind, remarks by Indigenous Peoples’ Centre (IPC) Director Chris Lagimodiere, and greetings from BU Interim President Steve Robinson. Light refreshments will follow the event.

Additionally, the foyer outside of the IPC features a display of orange shirt outlines, with messages reflecting on the meaning of reconciliation, Orange Shirt Day and why every child matters. Outlines can be picked up and dropped off at the IPC.

As well as a day for recognition and reflection on the effects of the residential school system, Orange Shirt Day serves as a day to commit to ensuring that everyone around us matters. It stems from a St. Joseph Mission residential school commemoration held in 2013 in Williams Lake, B.C. The symbol of the orange shirt was inspired by Phyllis Webstad’s story of having her shiny orange shirt taken away from her on her first day of school at the Mission.

This year’s BU event comes on the last weekday before the national observance of Orange Shirt Day, which falls on September 30 each year. The timing was chosen to coincide with the time of year when children were taken from their homes to residential schools.

Learn more about Orange Shirt Day and Friday’s event at BrandonU.ca/IPC/orange-shirt-day.