4 Canadian Companies Supporting Orange Shirt Day

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day, is a statutory holiday designed to recognize the legacy of the Canadian Indian residential school system. It was first established as an observance in 2013 to promote awareness of the residential school system in Canada as well as the impact it has had on Indigenous communities. In support of these communities, everyone wears orange on September 30. Here are just a few Canadian companies who are selling orange shirts to acknowledge The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. —Jennifer Cox

The Every Child Matters tee from Spirit Bear Coffee Company ($20) shows both solidarity to the cause and helps fund different indigenous causes. The company said, “Here at Spirit Bear Coffee Co., we believe that everyone is capable of promoting change, working towards reconciliation, and honouring those who went through the residential schools. Reconciliation is not just the responsibility of the government. It is a responsibility that belongs to everyone.” A portion of proceeds from all purchases of these T-shirts is used to go towards truth and reconciliation activities and elders’ gatherings in communities across Canada. 

The “Every Child Matters” Kids Unisex National Day of Truth and Reconciliation English T-Shirt available at Giant Tiger ($12) is made out of 100% cotton and was designed by Patrick Hunter, a Two-Spirit Ojibway artist from Red Lake, Ontario, specializing in fine and digital artwork and designs from his Ojibway roots. All the proceeds from the sale of this shirt are donated to Indspire, an Indigenous national charity that invests in the education of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people for the long-term benefit of these individuals, their families and communities, and Canada. 

Walmart’s Kids Every Child Matters Short Sleeve Crewneck Cotton Tee ($15) are from Indigenous Proud and feature the artwork of Timothy Foster, who is Gitxsan from the house of Niisto in the Lax Seel clan.
His design of a parent orca with its young represents the beautiful connections we have with our children and our constant protectiveness and unmeasurable love for them. One hundred percent of profits will go directly to Orange Shirt Society.

Kit and Kaboodle’s 2022 Orange Shirt ($19) donates $10 of each purchase to the Orange Shirt Society as well. Their shirt features a beautiful drawing of a peaceful dove connected to a pair of children’s running shoes. They come in a wide range of sizes and bulk purchasing as well.