Phyllis Webstad, the founder of Orange Shirt Day, and ambassador for the Orange Shirt Society, is condemning the Ottawa Convoy’s appropriation of the gesture.
Yesterday, Freedom Rally organizers called for a walkout of school-aged children in support of their protest.
They also called for those walking out to wear the symbolic Every Child Matters Orange Shirts.
Orange Shirt Day, which takes place on September 30th, was made a Federal holiday, dubbed Truth and Reconciliation Day, last year.
But the origins of the day stem back to 2013, when Webstad shared her story of wearing her orange shirt on her first day attending the St Joseph’s Mission Residential School.
In response to the Convoy’s requests, Webstad released a statement saying she does not support their use of the shirts, and that there is only one Orange Shirt Day.
This morning, the Northern Secwepemc te Qelmucw released a letter backing Webstad in denouncing the walkout.
Orange Shirt Day is a cause focused on the importance of Truth and Reconciliation, and to support and honour communities, families, and survivors of the Residential School system.
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