“Every Child Matters” is a significant movement in Canada that highlights the importance of ensuring the rights, well-being, and dignity of all children, particularly Indigenous children. This phrase gained prominence in the wake of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s findings regarding the legacy of residential schools, which had devastating impacts on Indigenous communities.
The movement aims to raise awareness about the systemic inequalities and challenges that Indigenous children continue to face, promoting the idea that every child deserves respect, dignity, and the opportunity to thrive. It has become a rallying cry for Indigenous rights and reconciliation efforts across the country, particularly through events like Orange Shirt Day, which commemorates the experiences of residential school survivors and advocates for a better future for Indigenous youth.
Story of the Orange Shirt
The story of the orange shirt is rooted in the experiences of Indigenous children in Canada, particularly regarding the residential school system. The story is often told through the lens of Phyllis Webstad, who, as a young girl, wore a new orange shirt on her first day of school at a residential institution.
Phyllis was excited about her orange shirt, which was a gift from her grandmother. However, upon arriving at the school, she was stripped of her clothes, including her cherished shirt, and made to wear a uniform. This experience marked the beginning of a traumatic journey where children were subjected to harsh conditions, cultural assimilation, and loss of identity.
Years later, Phyllis shared her story, and it resonated with many. The orange shirt became a symbol of the experiences of Indigenous children in residential schools, representing both the loss of culture and the resilience of survivors.
To honor this legacy, Orange Shirt Day is observed annually on September 30. It serves as a reminder of the painful history and the importance of reconciliation, healing, and recognizing the rights and identities of Indigenous peoples. The orange shirt stands as a symbol of hope, resilience, and the ongoing journey toward healing and understanding.
“Every Child Matters” Significance
The “Every Child Matters” framework emphasizes the well-being and rights of all children, advocating for their health, safety, and positive development. It acknowledges the intergenerational trauma caused by residential schools and stresses the importance of recognizing these impacts on Indigenous children today. It aligns with broader efforts for reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, promoting understanding and action toward social justice and equity.
The phrase reinforces the collective responsibility of all Canadians to ensure that every child, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, is treated with respect and given the opportunity to thrive.
Local Actions for Every Child Matters (Sept. 30th)
Fort Frances
7:00 AM: Sunrise Ceremony
St. Margaret’s Residential School Monument
Agency One Lands
11:00 AM: Honour Walk
Point Park Baseball Diamond to St. Margaret’s Residential School Monument
Lunch will be provided following the walk
1:00 PM – 7:00 PM: GCT3 and Agency One Pow Wow
Nanicost Pow Wow Grounds, 1455 Idylwild Drive, Fort Frances, ON
3:00 PM: Indian Residential School Survivors Acknowledgement
Nanicost Pow Wow Grounds, 1455 Idylwild Drive, Fort Frances, ON
Kenora
9:30 AM: Shuttle Service Starts
Whitecap Pavilion -> Cecilia Jeffery Memorial Site
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Ceremony and Walk
Cecilia Jeffery Memorial Site, 237 Airport Rd, Kenora, ON
12:00 PM: Shuttle Service
Cecilia Jeffery Memorial Site -> Whitecap Pavilion
12:30 PM – 2:00 PM: Free BBQ and Drum Social @ Whitecap Pavilion
Harbourfront Pavilion, 1 Bernier Dr, Kenora, ON
Sioux Lookout
7:00 AM: Sunrise Ceremony and Sacred Fire
Nishnawbe-Gamik Friendship Centre, 52 King St, Sioux Lookout, ON
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Orange Shirt Day Free BBQ
SLAAMB Main Office, 80 Front Street, Sioux Lookout, ON
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Orange Shirt Day BBQ and Round Dance
Sioux Lookout Town Beach
6:30 PM: Film Screening of ‘We Were Children’
Nishnawbe-Gamik Friendship Centre, 52 King St, Sioux Lookout, ON
Beverages and light refreshments will be served
Together, the orange shirt and the “Every Child Matters” movement are crucial in fostering awareness, promoting healing, and advocating for justice in the ongoing journey towards reconciliation in Canada.
Engage in Culturally Enriched Educational Programming
Seven Generations Education Institute (SGEI) is an Indigenous led educational organization that provides high school, post-secondary, training for employment and cultural programming to all Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in the Treaty Three area and beyond.
Check out our website to see all that SGEI has to offer and how we continue to provide culturally enriched educational programming for individuals across the lifespan!
