Honoring Truth and Healing — Orange Shirt Day
- Josemiguel Gomez
- Sep 9
- 1 min read
As we approach Orange Shirt Day on September 30, the Quapaw Nation invites our community to come together in remembrance, reflection, and healing. This day, also known as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, carries deep importance for Indigenous peoples across North America—even beyond Canada, where it was established—and resonates powerfully with our own history.
Why This Event Matters for the Quapaw Nation
Every child matters. The orange shirt has become a symbol of remembrance for the children who were taken from tribal communities and forced into residential schools. While the movement began in Canada, many U.S. tribal families share similar histories and honor this day in solidarity.
It is part of a broader effort by Indigenous communities to confront past traumas, honor survivors, and prevent erasure of our stories.
Across the U.S., various Indigenous groups have organized events—like memorial walks, educational gatherings, and cultural ceremonies—to promote awareness and encourage healing.
What to Expect at Our Orange Shirt Day Event
Shirt Distribution (10:00 a.m.–Noon): Free orange shirts (limit of two per person; 100 shirts available). First come, first served.
Purpose: To honor those affected by boarding schools, honor survivors, and begin collective healing. Every gesture helps foster understanding and unity.
Our Shared Journey Toward Healing
This Orange Shirt Day event offers a meaningful way to acknowledge a painful past and affirm our commitment to truth, respect, and community. By wearing orange, we stand together, honoring both the children lost and those who remember—and reminding every generation that Every Child Matters.
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