Each year, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. This occasion honours the children who never returned home and the survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. On this day, it is encouraged to wear an orange shirt as a way to remember the story of Phyllis Webstad, whose orange shirt was taken away from her when she was sent to a residential school at age six. Public commemoration of the tragic history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process. The Ambe Maamowisdaa Employee Circle, in partnership with Toronto History Museums, collaborated with Indigenous-owned company Nish T’s and Sheguiandah First Nation artist, Xoë Roy, to design this t-shirt in solidarity with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. By purchasing and wearing these shirts, you can contribute to the ongoing process of healing, understanding, and reconciliation. Wear this shirt at any time to show your solidarity with Indigenous communities. All proceeds of sales will be donated to Native Woman's Resource Centre of Toronto through the City’s United Way Employee Campaign. 100% Cotton Printed in Canada About the Artist My name is Xoë, I am an Indigenous artist from Sheguiandah First Nation which is located on Manitoulin Island. I have begun my journey as a Graphic Designer, taking on this opportunity is something I’m excited to include in my portfolio. Beginning this design took a lot of thought as I had to consider a way to depict truth and reconciliation, I had done drafts with flowers and hand graphics with no real direction. Until the City of Toronto mentioned the Every Child Matters movement, this helped guide me to the design we would proceeded with. My own Grandmother was a survivor of Residential schools, so this design and opportunity does hold that much more empowerment for me and I hope this design will be seen for many years especially by my people. Chi Miigwetch.
