Every Child Matters: Beyond Orange Shirt Day

September 30th is Orange Shirt Day—National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. On this day, we honour Survivors, remember the children who never returned home, and acknowledge the ongoing impacts of residential schools on families and communities. It is a day to pause, reflect, and recognize the truths of our shared history.

For more than a century, residential schools operated across Canada as part of a system designed to assimilate Indigenous children and erase Indigenous cultures. Children were taken from their families, forbidden to speak their languages, and often subjected to neglect, abuse, and deep trauma. The effects of these schools are still felt today, through intergenerational trauma and systemic inequities.

Orange Shirt Day was established in recognition of the story of Phyllis Webstad, a Survivor who, at six years old, had her new orange shirt taken away on her first day at a residential school. That orange shirt came to symbolize the loss of culture, identity, and childhood experienced by thousands of Indigenous children. Today, it stands as a powerful reminder that every child

matters.

But reconciliation is not something that can live in a single day. To truly honour Survivors and Indigenous Peoples, we need to commit to listening, learning, and acting all year long. Reconciliation is an ongoing journey—one that requires humility, openness, and responsibility from all of us.

At Robertson Tutoring, we believe education is one of the most powerful tools for change. Accessible and inclusive education ensures that all learners feel seen, supported, and valued. This means more than just removing barriers—it means actively creating spaces where Indigenous voices, histories, and perspectives are included and respected.

What does that look like in practice?

• Accessible education: Resources and supports must be available to all students, regardless of background, ability, or circumstance. Learning opportunities should be designed with equity in mind so no one is left behind.

• Inclusive education: Classrooms should reflect the diverse histories and identities of learners. This includes incorporating Indigenous knowledge and perspectives into curriculum in meaningful ways, not just as an addition, but as a vital part of our shared story.

• Ongoing resources: Teachers, families, and communities need access to culturally relevant tools, reading lists, and programming that promote understanding, empathy, and respect.

• Community support: Reconciliation extends beyond classrooms. We can all contribute by supporting Indigenous-owned businesses, engaging with Indigenous arts and cultural practices, learning from local Elders and Knowledge Keepers, and showing up for Indigenous-led initiatives in our communities. These choices not only strengthen communities but also honour the knowledge and traditions that continue to thrive despite generations of attempted erasure.

It is our collective responsibility to learn, to listen deeply, and to keep moving forward—knowing that reconciliation is not a destination, but a continuous effort. By seeking out knowledge, challenging ourselves to grow, and making choices that support equity and inclusion, we help build a future that reflects the truth of our past while creating something better for the generations to come.

Every child matters. Every learner matters. Today and every day, let’s commit to building classrooms, communities, and futures where Indigenous peoples are honoured, supported, and empowered.