September 30 marks a day of remembrance and resistance across Canada — Orange Shirt Day , also known as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation . What began as a grassroots movement rooted in one survivor’s story has become a national call for truth, accountability, and Indigenous Education .

At Resist Clothing Company, this day is deeply personal. It’s not just a campaign. It’s a continuation of our ancestors’ fight for dignity, voice, and healing.

🧡 The Origins of Orange Shirt Day

Orange Shirt Day was born from the story of Phyllis Webstad , a Northern Secwepemc woman who, in 1973, was just six years old when she was sent to a residential school. On her first day, she wore a new, bright orange shirt her grandmother had bought for her — but when she arrived at the school, it was taken from her.

That act — seemingly small — represented something much larger: the systemic stripping away of Indigenous identity, culture, and language that took place across generations through Canada’s residential school system.

Since then, the orange shirt has become a symbol of that loss — and the resilience that continues in its wake. Every Child Matters isn’t just a slogan. It’s a truth that’s still fighting to be heard.

📖 From Grassroots to Government Recognition

In 2017, NDP MP Georgina Jolibois introduced a private member’s bill to make Orange Shirt Day an official day of reconciliation. The movement continued to grow, and in 2021, following the discovery of unmarked graves at former residential school sites across the country, the Canadian government formally recognized September 30 as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation .

But let’s be clear: no government recognition can undo the damage. What matters now is action — and accountability.

🔍 The Ongoing Impact of Residential Schools

Residential schools didn’t just disrupt families — they attempted to dismantle entire Nations. Over 150,000 Indigenous children were taken from their homes and placed in these institutions, many never to return. Those who survived carry lifelong trauma, passed down through generations.

And it’s not just history. The impact is ongoing — in mental health, in education gaps, in the justice system, and in how Indigenous stories are still too often left out of the mainstream curriculum.

That’s why Indigenous Education is so crucial. It isn’t about guilt or blame — it’s about understanding, honoring truth, and creating real, systemic change.

🧠 Why Indigenous Education Matters

To understand why Orange Shirt Day exists, you have to understand the role of Indigenous Education — not just for Indigenous youth, but for everyone living on this land.

When we integrate Indigenous perspectives, values, languages, and histories into the education system, we don’t just challenge colonial narratives — we create pathways for healing and belonging.

Classrooms that include Elders , traditional knowledge, and Indigenous-designed curriculum aren’t just more inclusive — they’re more honest. And in a country still coming to terms with its legacy, honesty is essential .

🧵 Why We Fundraise — A Message from Our Founder

At Resist Clothing Company, we don’t just mark Orange Shirt Day — we move with it.

Our founder is a direct descendant of residential school survivors. His grandparents lived through the system — but never spoke about it. That silence, born of pain and survival, shaped generations. And it’s in their honor that we raise awareness and funds each year.

They didn’t have the space or support to tell their story. So now, we create that space — through art, through clothing, and through giving back .

Each year, our Every Child Matters collection supports Indigenous-led organizations focused on truth-telling, cultural revitalization, and survivor support. We also operate under the official guidelines set by the Orange Shirt Society , ensuring that the phrase “Every Child Matters” is used with respect, integrity, and community accountability.

🛍️ How to Shop Responsibly for Orange Shirt Day

As the day has grown in recognition, so has the number of vendors offering orange shirts — but not all of them are legit .

Many non-Indigenous companies profit off Orange Shirt Day without giving back or crediting the culture they’re profiting from. Some even steal Indigenous designs or falsely claim to be Indigenous-owned.

Here’s how to shop smart:

✔️ Look for clear information on who designed the shirt
✔️ Make sure it’s made by an Indigenous-owned brand
✔️ Check where it's made and where funds are going
✔️ Ask questions — legit vendors will have nothing to hide

Search terms like “ Orange Shirt Day T-Shirt Canada ” or “ Every Child Matters Shirt Canada ” can help, but always check the source before you buy.

✅ Support Indigenous. Support Survivors.

Resist Clothing Company is proud to be one of the verified Indigenous vendors creating authentic, Indigenous-designed Orange Shirt Day gear . Our 2023 design will be 100% made in Canada , and a portion of proceeds will go directly to Indigenous-led education and healing initiatives.

We believe in transparency — so if you have any questions about our process, our donations, or who’s behind the design, just reach out. This isn’t just business. This is community.

👉  Tap here to view our latest Orange Shirt Day drop 
👉  View our list of verified Indigenous vendors 
👉  Learn more about the Orange Shirt Society 

📣 Spread the Word, Fuel the Change

Orange Shirt Day is a time to reflect — but also to take action.

📲 Share this blog to help your community learn the truth
🧡 Buy Indigenous to support Indigenous
📚 Push for Indigenous Education in your schools and institutions

We wear orange because silence has lasted too long. We raise our voices because the next generation deserves to grow up with pride in who they are — not pain in what was taken.