Orange Shirt Day Designs
By MARISSA DESPINS Updated Sept 11, 2023
September 30th is rapidly approaching, and that means it is time to start thinking about ways to acknowledge Orange Shirt Day in your classroom. One of my favorite activities for honoring this important day asks students to create their own Orange Shirt Day designs that symbolically reflect their commitment to Truth and Reconciliation.
Interested in having your students design their own orange shirts? Click on the image or button below to download the activity!
Why should I incorporate Orange Shirt Day Designs into my classroom instruction?
Orange Shirt Day designs play a crucial role in commemorating and spreading awareness about the historical injustices faced by Indigenous peoples in Canada and the broader message of truth and reconciliation. These designs are not merely decorative but serve as powerful visual representations of the movement.
One common feature of many Orange Shirt Day designs is, of course, the vibrant color orange itself. The orange shirt, which has become a symbol of remembrance and solidarity, often serves as the primary canvas for various artistic expressions. It signifies the story of Phyllis Webstad, whose orange shirt was taken from her on her first day at a residential school, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging this painful history.
Looking for a FREE resource to teach about Phyllis Webstad and Orange Shirt Day? Click here.
To read more about Phyllis Webstad and her orange shirt, be sure to check out post about the orange shirt story!
To read more about the residential school system, check out our post on residential schools in Canada.
Beyond the color, Orange Shirt Day designs frequently incorporate Indigenous art forms, symbols, and cultural elements. Indigenous artists often infuse their creations with traditional patterns, motifs, and imagery that hold deep cultural and spiritual significance. These designs not only honor Indigenous heritage but also serve as a visual testament to the resilience and strength of Indigenous communities in the face of historical adversity. The incorporation of Indigenous languages and symbols further emphasizes the importance of preserving and revitalizing Indigenous cultures, which is a core aspect of the truth and reconciliation process.
In addition to clothing, Orange Shirt Day designs extend to various mediums, including posters, banners, and digital graphics. These designs are instrumental in creating a visual identity for the movement, making it accessible to a broader audience. They convey the message of remembrance, respect, and solidarity, helping to educate and engage people from all backgrounds about the significance of Orange Shirt Day and the ongoing journey toward truth and reconciliation.
Ultimately, Orange Shirt Day designs serve as a powerful means of promoting dialogue, reflection, and healing within Canadian society and beyond, contributing to a more inclusive and empathetic future.
Looking for some free classroom posters to help teach your learners about Orange Shirt Day? You won’t want to miss this post!
Orange Shirt Day Design Project
To complete this activity, I begin by discussing the history behind this important day with my learners. We then brainstorm a variety of different symbols related to Truth and Reconciliation that students may want to include in their designs. It can be helpful to show student a variety of different shirt designs currently being sold – you can see a variety on amazon by clicking here, or use the image below to help guide your brainstorming.
When our brainstorming is complete, I pass each student a copy of a blank t-shirt template. Students can draw their designs directly onto the templates.
Once colored, these make gorgeous classroom of hallway bulletin board displays to demonstrate student understanding in a way that is both meaningful and impactful.
Interested in trying orange shirt day design activities in your classroom?
Grab a copy of this engaging, no-prep resource by clicking here or on the image below.
Looking for additional information For teaching About Orange Shirt Day?
Check out these related posts below.
Canadian Heroes to Inspire Your Learners
Favorite Indigenous Read Alouds
All About Orange Shirt Day 2023
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