Orange Shirt Day
UVic pledges to uphold ʔetalnəw̓əl̓ | ÁTOL,NEUEL | respecting the rights of one another and being in right relationship with all things. We're working to foster truth, respect and mutual understanding with all Indigenous peoples and communities.
Orange Shirt Day 2026
This year, our attention is focused on remaining grounded in truth and committed to action.
As we reflect on our collective responsibilities, together we can renew our commitments to making Canada a more just and fair country—a country that truly respects and values the inherent rights of Indigenous peoples and lives up to the hopes expressed by Residential School Survivors.
UVic will be hosting a campus-wide event on Tuesday, September 29, 1:30-2:45 p.m. at Centennial Stadium, offering a shared space for reflection, learning and remembrance. Faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members are invited to gather. The university will be closed on Sept. 30, 2026 to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a federal statutory holiday to honour the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities.
Events at UVic
REDress Calls for Justice workshop
Sept. 22 | 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. | Fine Arts room 106
Join Karla Point Hii nulth tsa kaa —Indigenous Resurgence Coordinator for the Faculty of Fine Arts — to learn more about the REDress movement and the critical ongoing issue of genocide against Indigenous Women & Girls & LGBTQ2S+.
UNDRIP, UNDA and DRIPA: Human Rights Legislation
Sept. 24 | 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Fine Arts room 106
This workshop seeks to alleviate some of the confusion about UNDRIP, UNDA and DRIPA, especially on how these rights may impact people, government and industry. This workshop seeks to provide clarity on what the legislation is and ideally to create a better understanding about these Declarations.
Book launch & discussion: Listening Once Again to Our Great Mother
Sept. 24 | 1:30 – 4 p.m. | First Peoples House
Join us in person for a book launch and discussion featuring authors Pacheedaht Elder Bill Jones and Karen Moe. Listening Once Again to Our Great Mother traces an inspiring personal journey of transformation through the rediscovery of Indigenous self. Come meet the authors and hear their story.
Register
The Lesser Blessed film screening and Q&A
Sept. 25 | 6:30 p.m. | First Peoples House
Join UVic’s Indigenous Storyteller-in-Residence, Richard Van Camp, for a screening of The Lesser Blessed, adapted from Richard Van Camp’s bestselling 1996 coming-of-age novel. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with the author. Written while Van Camp was an MFA student at UVic, The Lesser Blessed follows Larry Sole, a Tłı̨chǫ teenager living in a remote community in the Northwest Territories while dealing with life as a high school student. Refreshments will be provided. This event is free and open to the public.
Nanaay Gyaatl’l dii ga – “Grandmother is Sewing”: Stitching Together Reclamation and Reconciliation
Sept. 28 | 12 – 2 p.m. | Sngequ House Meeting Rooms A and B
Registration required
Facilitated by Yahlnaaw (she/they), Indigenous rights and anti-racism officer for the Equity and Human Rights office at UVic, the workshop holds Indigenous strength and resilience as central by supporting participants in:
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Unpacking colonial hi/stories and their impacts on colonially-called Canada
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Learning the importance of dismantling colonial power structures
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Navigating and celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada: Calls to Action and its relation to the centrality of decolonization
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Barriers to TRC work
Orange shirt and hoodie giveaway
Sept. 28 | Engineering Lab Wing
Engineering and Computer Science will be giving out free orange t-shirts and hoodies on Sept. 28, in recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and to encourage participation in campus commemoration events the following day. Please come by the lobby of the Engineering Lab Wing building (ELW) to pick one up. First-come-first-served. Popular sizes may run out more quickly.
Haa Huupa talk with Ry Moran
Sept. 28 | 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. | Fine Arts room 106
Organized by Fine Arts Indigenous Resurgence Coordinator Karla Point, this latest gathering features Ry Moran, inaugural associate university librarian – reconciliation. Ry was instrumental in advancing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission process in Canada, serving as the Director of Statement Gathering, and founding Director of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.
Witness Blanket in VR & "How to Colonize" exhibit launch
Sept. 28 | 1 – 2:30 p.m. | Mearns – Mcpherson Library, main foyer
The Witness Blanket is a work of art created by Carey Newman - Nulis (Hayalthkin’geme) to honour the children and Survivors impacted by the Indian Residential School system. The large-scale installation weaves together hundreds of items from residential schools, government buildings, and churches across Canada.
UVic Libraries will host a virtual reality version of the Witness Blanket. Interact with the collected objects through VR headsets and bear witness to the damaging legacy of Canada's residential schools. This event will also feature the "How to Colonize 101" art project by Master of Indigenous Language Revitalization candidate Shirina Evans. This project reveals how historical media narratives of "free" land were used to entice able-bodied European settlers to Canada.
Mike Dangeli: Reflections on Self-Decolonization as Reconciliation
Sept. 28 | 5 p.m. | David Turpin Building room A120
The Visual Arts “Living Artist, Living Art” series presents artist, singer, composer, dancer and educator Mike Dangeli of the Nisga’a, Tlingit, Tsetsaut and Tsimshian Nations. Mike will speak on his ongoing process of self-decolonization, exploring how reconciliation will only be achieved if more time, love & attention is placed on confronting and healing from the effects of colonization—both individually & collectively as Indigenous peoples. He is also the 2026/27 Artist in Residence with UVic’s Centre for Studies in Religion and Society.
Child in the Centre: Education, Law, Social Work and Health in Dialogue Interdisciplinary Seminar Series 2026–2027
Sept. 29 | 10 – 11 a.m. | Fraser Building large gathering room
In Gitxsan society and many other Indigenous societies, every person born or adopted is a citizen. What does it mean when peoples and communities understand children as citizens? What are the roles of children in these social places? How are the legal agency and personhood of children formed, recognized, and acted on? This seminar will explore the legal agency of children and how these perceptions shape our families and communities historically. We will discuss the limitations of individual and collective legal agency in several Indigenous normative orders today. The law of every society determines the personhood of its citizens, and this holistically connects economies, and social and political ordering.
Learn more and register
Honouring Orange Shirt Day with Conversation Cards about Truth and Reconciliation
Sept. 29 | 12 – 1:30 p.m. | MacLaurin Building room D013
Engage in reflection and conversations that build understanding about how to move forward on the path of Truth and Reconciliation.
Led by Lauren Jerke, Assistant Professor, Department of Indigenous Education and Department of Curriculum and Instruction, and Kristy McLeod, PhD candidate, Department of Curriculum and Instruction.
ChemEDI: Orange shirt draw
Sept. 29 | 12:30 p.m. | Elliott Building, 2nd floor lobby
Chem EDI will be holding a draw to give away orange t-shirts to raise awareness of Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Coffee and sweets will be available. Everyone welcome.
Campus gathering at Centennial Stadium
Sept. 29 | 1:30 – 2:45 p.m. | Centennial Stadium
Join Vice-President Indigenous Angela Jaime, Chief Robert Joseph, Indigenous Youth Poet Laureate Shauntelle Dick-Charleson and the Tzinquaw Dancers for a gathering of reflection and learning.
This year, Orange Shirt Day is focused on remaining grounded in truth and committed to action as we come together to learn, reflect and act.
Community events
South Island Powwow
Sept. 30 | 10 a.m. gates open, 12 p.m. Grand Entry | Royal Athletic Park, 1014 Caledonia Ave.
The annual South Island Powwow is an opportunity to recognize Survivors and their families in the spirit of reconciliation.
Through song and dance, we will celebrate traditional Indigenous cultures and resiliency.
Truth and Reconciliation: A Gathering of Remembrance and Care
Sept. 30 | 5 – 8 p.m. | Support Network for Indigenous Women and Women of Colour, 990 Hillside Ave, #204
Join Support Network for Indigenous Women and Women of Colour for a meaningful evening of remembrance, reflection, and community care as we come together to honour truth and reconciliation. The gathering will create space to come together through connection, storytelling and collective healing.
Information and tickets
As waters merge—swaying waves beckoning us closer
Sept. 30 | 12 – 5 p.m. | Art Gallery of Greater Victoria (AGGV), 1040 Moss St.
In honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, AGGV is offering free admission to the Gallery and the exhibition As waters merge– swaying waves beckoning us closer. This exhibition is part of a long-term curatorial inquiry that looks to the Pacific Ocean as a guide for understanding the fundamental way the ocean influences our pleasure, joy, romance, love, movement and togetherness.
Learning resources
UVic Libraries invites everyone in the UVic community to visit the Resources for Truth and Reconciliation guide to support your learning. In the guide, our librarians compile educational and scholarly resources related to Truth and Reconciliation.
Read the resource article, Museums as witness: telling the story of residential schools on the BC Museums Association website.
Check out the resources and programs from the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.
Supports
If you find that you need emotional support after engaging with Orange Shirt Day material, there are some services available.
Orange Shirt Day supports
Cultural brushing
Sept. 29 | First Peoples House
Cultural brushing is available in the First Peoples House for Indigenous students, staff, faculty. Quiet/chill spaces are also available at the Ceremonial Hall at the First Peoples House (12:30 - 3:30 p.m.) and all-day in the Indigenous Student Lounge.
Indigenous student drop in support space
Sept. 29 | Student Wellness Centre
On Sept. 29, a counsellor at the Student Wellness Centre will offer a group drop-in space full day for Indigenous students. Students are welcome to join in at the beginning of each hour (9, 10, 11, and 1, 2, and 3), and the counsellor will facilitate a support conversation, with resources provided to each participating student.
Wellness space
Sept. 28 to Oct. 2 | Student Wellness Centre lobby
From Sept. 28 to Oct. 2, students are welcome to visit the wellness space in the lobby of the Student Wellness Centre during open hours. Students will find a soothing sound fountain, a puzzle table, several resource display areas and a long desk with several sitting chairs to plug their devices and do homework on, plus snacks and drinks. No appointment is needed, and students just check in with the Student Wellness Centre’s student welcome team.
Ongoing supports for Indigenous students
SupportConnect
SupportConnect is a free, confidential mental-health support service for UVic students. You can connect with qualified counsellors, consultants and life coaches by phone or online 24/7. Video or in-person options are available.
Toll-free (calls from North America): 1-844-773-1427
International collect calls: 1-250-999-7621
Counselling for Indigenous students
Indigenous counsellors provide individual and group counselling that treat the heart, body, mind and spirit for Indigenous students. Indigenous counselling sessions are flexible in length, you are seen on the spot for emergency appointments and in general, you can meet with the Indigenous counsellor without having to wait too long.
UVic Counselling Services
Located in the new Student Wellness Centre at 2300 McKenzie Ave., across the street from the CARSA gym. Counselling sessions for UVic students can be booked by calling 250-721-8563. Indigenous counsellors are available.
Here2Talk
Connects students to mental-health support when they need it. Through this program, all students currently registered in a BC post-secondary institution have access to free, confidential counselling and community-referral services, conveniently available 24/7 via app, phone and web.
Gerry Ambers (ʼNa̱mǥis / Kwakwaka'wakw), Elder-in-Residence at the First Peoples House, offers viewers several ways to stay calm and grounded in these challenging times. Produced by the Office of Indigenous Academic and Community Engagement at UVic.
Additional supports
Smudging Guidelines
If smudging is part of how you care for yourself, connect with ceremony or find grounding, you can also review UVic’s Smudging Guidelines for information about smudging on campus.
Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP) is a confidential program that provides short-term professional counselling, informational resources, and referral services. This program is designed to provide information, advice, and support as you navigate life's challenges and milestones.
Noojimo Health provides confidential virtual mental health counselling for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis individuals and their families. We provide support honouring your unique cultural identity, lived experiences, and worldview.
Indian Residential School Survivors Society Crisis Line
24-hour crisis line for survivors and family of survivors. Toll-Free: 1-866-925-4419
First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) Mental Health Benefits
FNHA partners with Indigenous Services Canada to offer a comprehensive mental-health plan to First Nations in BC. The plan covers counselling services from qualified mental-health providers, including psychologists, clinical counsellors and social workers.
The Vancouver Island Crisis Line
24-hour crisis line service to Vancouver Island, the islands of the Georgia Strait, and the mainland communities between Powell River and Rivers Inlet, as defined by Island Health. It operates 365 days a year. Crisis workers provide short-term, non-judgmental emotional, support, crisis intervention, information and resources. Toll-free: 1-888-494-3888
KUU-US Crisis Line Society
The KUU-US Crisis Line Society operates a 24-hour provincial Aboriginal crisis line for adults/Elders and youth.
Adults/Elders: 250-723-4050
Children/Youth: 250-723-2040
Toll-free Line: 1-800-588-8717
Learn more
The orange t-shirt design
The designs for the t-shirt were created by Kwakwaka'wakw/Coast Salish artist Nulis, Hayalthkin’geme, Carey Newman, UVic’s Impact Chair in Indigenous Art Practices since 2021.
The red hand represents the ongoing resistance by Indigenous peoples. The Heart and Hands design "was made to honour the children who died in residential school." In terms of reconciliation it calls for us to listen and learn with open hearts and use our hands for the work that needs to be done. The words ‘every child matters’ is to ensure children around the world are protected and kept safe.
The Heart and Hands design "was made to honour the children who died in residential school. The hearts express love for all those in unmarked graves and compassion for the families and communities who waited for them to be found. The small and colourful hands remind us of the uniqueness and beauty of every child. Taken together, they represent our commitment to listen to our hearts and use our hands, to do the work that needs to be done.
The visceral confirmation of Survivor accounts that has come from locating these graves has affected many of us on an emotional level. It has changed the way that many people think and feel about our histories and current realities in Canada."
The Feather design is "a grouping of smaller feathers to create a larger one — is meant to represent that children come in all shapes and sizes, and they're all important."
Individual orders
T-shirts are available for individual purchase.
If you would like to support Orange Shirt Day initiatives, please consider making a $30 donation directly to the Elders Engagement Fund, Witness Blanket Project or Orange Shirt Society.What is Orange Shirt Day?
Orange Shirt Day is a national movement in Canada. In this annual event, Indigenous and non-Indigenous people come together in the spirit of hope and reconciliation to honour former residential-school students, their families and communities. We consider the impacts of the policies and actions of the Government of Canada and the churches that operated the schools.
Orange Shirt Day began in Williams Lake, BC in 2013 at the St. Joseph Mission (SJM) residential school commemoration event, at which survivor Phyllis Webstad told the story of her shiny new orange shirt that was taken away from her on her first day of school at the Mission.
Orange Shirt Day occurs in early fall because this is the time of year when children were removed from their families and forced to attend residential schools. The day inspires Canadians to take part in anti-racism and anti-bullying initiatives at school and at work.
The residential-school era began in the early 1870s, with the last school closing in 1996. More than 150,000 Indigenous, Métis and Inuit children attended these schools. There are an estimated 80,000 survivors living today.
Facing the legacy of residential schools
At UVic, we commit to facing, head-on, the realities of Canada's history and the present. We commit to breaking down the colonial systems and barriers that still exist in our institution and to being accountable in this work.
Learn more about our response and commitments in support of truth and reconciliation.
Support meaningful engagement with Elders
The university has established the ITOTELNEW̱TEL ȽTE: LEARNING FROM ONE ANOTHER Fund (Elders Engagement Fund). It provides meaningful engagement with Elders and opportunities for learning Indigenous ways of knowing for students, faculty and staff.