Join LCC’s Office of Empowerment in observing Orange Shirt Day, a day of remembrance that honors the Indigenous children who were taken from their families and forced to attend residential boarding schools.

Six-year-old Phyllis Webstad was excited to wear her new orange shirt for her first day at a residential school in 1973. She had just picked it out at the store, an outfit for her first day of school. “It had string laced up in front, and was so bright and exciting – just like I felt to be going to school!” Webstad said. “When I got to [school], they stripped me, and took away my clothes, including the orange shirt! I never wore it again.”

On Sept. 30, we wear orange to honor Phyllis and to recognize the role residential schools played in stripping away freedom, culture and self-esteem from Indigenous children over the decades. Orange Shirt Day is a symbol of hope and a commitment to the truth that every child matters.

Stop by the Office of Empowerment in Arts & Sciences 1313 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, to learn more and recognize the day.