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Where can I get an orange shirt? 

Orange Shirts by the First Peoples’ House Collection

Residential schools attempted cultural genocide by separating children from their traditions. Today, we reclaim this painful history by creating space for students to reconnect with their culture and traditions, even as they pursue their academic journey away from home. We encourage you to support this healing by purchasing our orange shirt online or at the U of A Bookstore. All proceeds are directed to initiatives fostering community healing and connection at First Peoples’ House.

About Orange Shirt Day 

Observed annually on Sept. 30, Orange Shirt Day is a time for reflection, learning and remembrance. This day brings us together to advance reconciliation—a journey that requires ongoing commitment and a lifelong relationship built on clear communication, kindness and honesty.

The day originated from a commemoration event for St. Joseph’s Mission residential school, held in spring 2013 in Williams Lake. It grew from : on her first day at the Mission, her new orange shirt was taken away from her. Orange Shirt Day has since become an annual opportunity to continue meaningful conversations about all aspects of residential schools and their lasting impact.

Sept. 30 was chosen because it marks the time of year when children were historically taken from their homes to residential schools. Orange Shirt Day brings together First Nations, local governments, schools and communities in a spirit of reconciliation and hope for future generations.

We encourage everyone to wear an orange shirt to honour the thousands of children who were forcibly removed from their families and sent to Indian Residential Schools.

Orange Shirt Day activities on campus

Exhibit on the legacy of residential schools

Sept. 23 - Oct. 1, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
U of A Bookstore, SUB

Traditional dancing and drumming

Sept. 26, 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
U of A Bookstore, SUB

Learn more