Let's turn Johnston Green ORANGE on September 30th, 2025
The 30th of September is known in Canada as Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Orange Shirt Day was started in 2013 by Phyllis Webstad to honour survivors and victims of residential schools. The name comes from the new orange shirt that Phyllis wore on her first day at the St. Joseph Mission Residential School—a shirt that was taken away from her. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was founded in 2021 and is a direct response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Call to Action #80. This annual day is a time to reflect on the history and ongoing legacies of the residential school system, honour survivors, remember the children who never returned home, and support their families.
On September 30th we encourage you to wear an orange shirt, the colour orange, or other clothing and accessories that show support for Indigenous communities. Orange shirts are available for purchase at the U of G Bookstore, with $5 from each sale donated to the Survivor Secretariat.
In collaboration our industry partner, Simplistic Lines, Johnston Green was will be painted with an orange shirt to create a powerful visual reminder of solidarity. Join us on Tuesday, September 30th at 5:00 pm on Johnston Green when a drone will be used to photograph the campus community gathered together in orange, a symbol of our collective commitment to reconciliation.
