Honoring Orange Shirt Day – Every Child Matters

Orange Shirt Day on September 30 honors Indigenous children affected by boarding schools, promoting remembrance, healing, and action to support their identities and communities.

Every Child Matters Orange Shirt Day, September 30.

Later this month on September 30, we recognize Orange Shirt Day, a day of remembrance, reflection, and resilience. It honors the Indigenous children who were taken from their families and placed in boarding schools and residential schools across Oregon and the United States, as well as Canada. These institutes were designed to forcibly assimilate Native American children by erasing their identities, languages, and cultures.

Orange Shirt Day is rooted in the story of Phyllis Webstad, whose orange shirt was taken from her on her first day at a residential school. That simple act became powerful symbol of the loss of identity, dignity, and belonging experienced by thousands of Indigenous children.

The message “Every Child Matters” is more than a remembrance of the past, it is a call to action. It reminds us that every child deserves to be safe, valued, and supported in their identity. For us at DELC, this message is especially meaningful. As public servants dedicated to the well-being of children and families, we have a responsibility to understand the historical and intergenerational trauma caused by these systems, and to ensure that our work actively supports healing, equity, and justice.

DELC has included honoring and recognizing Tribal Sovereignty as a top priority. In this goal, DELC seeks to create training and resources for staff and partners to learn about the Native American experience, enhance and share educational resources, and much more.

While we acknowledge the deep and lasting harm caused by these schools, we also uplift the strength, courage, and enduring spirit of survivors, their families, and communities. As we honor Orange Shirt Day, we encourage you to take time to learn more about this history, reflect on its ongoing impact, and consider how we can each contribute to a future where all children are honored, protected, and empowered.

Office of Tribal Affairs Department of Early Learning and Care

Core Educational Resources

  1. U.S. National Resources
    1. Orange Shirt Day: Honoring Indigenous Children and Building a Path of Reconciliation
      1. A detailed overview of the movement’s history, meaning, and how it is observed across the U.S.
      2. Offers guidance on:
      3. Hosting events
      4. Engaging in meaningful reflection
      5. Supporting Indigenous-led initiatives
      6. Read the Full Article
    2. Alaska Children’s Trust – Orange Shirt Day Toolkit
      1. Provides a downloadable educator toolkit for schools, families, and communities.
      2. Includes:
        1. Lesson plans
        2. Videos (e.g., Molly of Denali episode “Grandpa’s Drum”)
        3. Activities for children
        4. Community event ideas
      3. Access the Toolkit
  2. Oregon-Based Resources
    1. Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) – Orange Shirt Day Hub
      1. Offers a comprehensive press kit with:
        1. Background on the Federal Indian Boarding School system in Oregon
        2. Virtual meeting backgrounds
        3. Social media templates and hashtags
        4. Suggested captions and personal reflection prompts
      2. Includes links to:
        1. Phyllis Webstad’s picture book
        2. Chemawa Indian School history
        3. Carlisle Indian School Digital Resource Center
      3. Explore ODHS Orange Shirt Day Resources
    2. Oregon Department of Justice
      1. Encourages staff to wear orange and reflect on the impact of residential and Indian boarding schools.
      2. Promotes reconciliation and understanding through public awareness.
      3. View DOJ Announcement
    3. Columbia Gorge Education Service District
      1. Highlights Oregon’s direct connection to boarding school history, including schools in Warm Springs, Siletz, Grand Ronde, Klamath, Umatilla, and Chemawa.
      2. Emphasizes the importance of remembrance and education in schools and communities.
      3. Read More
  3. Canadian Resources
    1. Orange Shirt Society Resource Hub Offers:
      1. Historical context of Indian Boarding Schools and residential schools
      2. Printable resources and videos
      3. Sample agendas for community events
      4. Activities for children and youth

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