Orange Shirt Day Is Fast Approaching

As September approaches, so does Orange Shirt Day, a day that commemorates the residential school experience, witnesses and honours the healing journey of the Survivors and their families, and commits to the ongoing process of reconciliation.

Every year on September 30, orange shirts are worn to show support for Survivors of residential schools and their families. In Brantford, The Mohawk Institute Residential School operated from 1831 to 1970. The Woodland Cultural Centre now operates a museum and gallery alongside the former residential school and serves to preserve, promote, protect and celebrate Indigenous history, art, language and culture.

You can support the Woodland Culture Centre by purchasing an “Every Child Matters” orange shirt from their online shop for $20. The deadline for bulk orders is August 20. All orders will be available for pickup on September 8 and local delivery options are available. 

Funds raised go directly towards Save the Evidence, a campaign to raise awareness and support for the restoration of the former Mohawk Institute Residential School, to develop the building into an Interpreted Historic Site and Educational Resource, so that they can continue to offer public educational programming and healing programs for residential school Survivors and their families.

Due to the pandemic, the Centre has closed its doors to in-person visits for the time being, but you can still support them by taking a virtual tour of the facility. Private viewings are available for businesses, organizations and classes, and public walkthroughs are offered monthly. Get your tickets for the virtual tour on August 19 at 7:00 p.m. by visiting woodlandculturalcentre.ca/events.

There will also be special virtual programming during the week of September 29 to October 4 for Orange Shirt Day. For more information about the upcoming Orange Shirt Day digital events and how to register please contact Woodland Cultural Centre at 519-759-2650 or connect with them on woodlandculturalcentre.ca or on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

They also invite you to show your support by posting your orange shirt selfies using the hashtag #OrangeShirtDay.