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The Indian Residential School Survivors Society 24-hour crisis line is available at 1-866-925-4419.

This is the 2nd annual community observance in Oak Bay of this important day to remember and reflect on the history of Residential Schools in Canada and their profound and harmful impact on Indigenous communities. Join us in front of Oak Bay High School for a brief ceremony and silence. Then consider journeying to the South Island Powwow at Royal Athletic Park, organized by Songhees Nation.

About Orange Shirt Day

Orange Shirt Day is a legacy of the St. Joseph Mission (SJM) residential school commemoration event held in Williams Lake, BC, Canada, in the spring of 2013. It grew out of Phyllis' story of having her shiny new orange shirt taken away on her first day of school at the mission, and it has become an opportunity to keep the discussion on all aspects of residential schools happening annually. 

The date was chosen because it is the time of year in which children were taken from their homes to residential schools, and because it is an opportunity to set the stage for anti-racism and anti-bullying policies for the coming school year. It also gives teachers time to plan events that will include children to ensure that we are passing the story and learning on to the next generations.

Where to buy your orange shirt

Please be sure to purchase commemorative orange t-shirts from local vendors that support the national Orange Shirt Day organization. For more information visit orangeshirtday.org. You will also find important copyright information on this site. 

Orange Shirt Day t-shirts are also available at victoriaorangeshirtday.com or email  victoriaorangeshirtday@gmail.com