KU commemorates annual Orange Shirt Day to honor indigenous communities

The First Nations Student Association (FNSA) tabled at Wescoe Hall on Sept. 30 for Orange Shirt Day, also called National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Orange Shirt Day is observed in the United States and Canada to honor Indigenous children who were forced into the Indian Residential School system. 

“We thought it was really important because it’s something that affects all of our communities and we want people to know and learn the history,” said Emma Roman Nose, public relations officer for FNSA.

Orange Shirt Day started in 2013 in Canada as a commemoration project at the St. Joseph Mission Residential School. Students, their families and local officials gathered to recognize the trauma endured by young Indigenous people and its multi-generational effects. 

The schooling system they were forced to enter made them change their names to more English sounding names, cut their hair, and prevented native language use and other cultural practices. This day honors survivors and all who have been affected.