Orange Shirt Day 2023
By MARISSA DESPINS Updated Sept 11, 2023
Activities for Orange Shirt Day 2023
With Orange Shirt Day 2023 quickly approaching, it is an important reminder to spend time in our classrooms teaching our students about this important and sad period of Canadian history. Only through education can we ensure the errors of our collective past are not repeated in the future.
Looking for some Orange Shirt Day activities that you can print and use in your classroom? Click on the image or button below to see all of the Orange Shirt Day 2023 resources available in my TPT shop!
What were residential Schools?
Residential schools in Canada first opened in the 19th century. These institutions were primarily established with the aim of assimilating Indigenous children into Euro-Canadian culture, forcibly separating them from their families, communities, and cultural practices.
While attending residential school, Indigenous children were subjected to harsh conditions, cultural suppression, and often physical and emotional abuse.
The curriculum emphasized European languages, customs, and religious beliefs, while actively discouraging Indigenous languages and traditions.
The legacy of residential schools is marked by profound intergenerational trauma, as many survivors and their families continue to grapple with the lasting effects of the trauma inflicted upon them.
Recognizing the historical significance of residential schools is crucial for understanding the ongoing struggles faced by Indigenous communities and fostering a commitment to truth, reconciliation, and a more equitable future.
For more information on residential schools in Canada, check out this related post.
Why is Orange Shirt Day Important?
Orange Shirt Day is a meaningful educational initiative that commemorates the experiences of Indigenous children in the Canadian residential school system. Held annually on September 30th, this day serves as a solemn reminder of the injustices faced by Indigenous communities as part of Canada’s colonial history.
The tradition began with the story of Phyllis Webstad, who, as a young child, had her new orange shirt taken away from her on her first day at a residential school. This event symbolizes the loss of identity and culture that Indigenous children endured in these institutions.
Orange Shirt Day 2023 is a platform for raising awareness about the intergenerational impact of residential schools, promoting reconciliation, and acknowledging the resilience and strength of Indigenous peoples. It is an essential component of Canadian education, fostering a deeper understanding of Indigenous history and promoting dialogue towards a more inclusive and equitable future.
Why is it important to teach about orange shirt day?
Teaching about Orange Shirt Day is important for several reasons. First and foremost, it sheds light on a dark chapter in Canadian history, allowing students to grasp the depth of suffering endured by Indigenous children in residential schools. By sharing these stories, educators create a space for empathy and reflection, fostering a more compassionate and informed society.
Learning about Orange Shirt Day promotes the values of truth and reconciliation, aligning with Canada’s commitment to addressing historical injustices and healing the wounds of the past. According to Justice Murray Sinclair, “Education is what got us here, and education is what will get us out”. Teaching our students about the values of truth and reconciliation is an important step towards healing the injustices of the past.
Teaching students about Orange Shirt Day also provides an opportunity for Indigenous voices and perspectives to be heard. This helps foster respect for Indigenous cultures and encourages a sense of unity and understanding among all Canadians.
Ultimately, teaching about Orange Shirt Day empowers future generations to work towards a more inclusive, equitable, and harmonious society that recognizes and respects the rights and experiences of Indigenous peoples.
For detailed information on ways to incorporate Orange Shirt Day activities into your classroom curriculum, check out this blog post.
Looking for some engaging resources to help you teach about Orange Shirt Day 2023?
Creative Classroom Core has a wide variety of engaging, no-prep resources for elementary and middle school to help you teach about this important topic. Click on the image below to see all of the resources available.
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