Brandon University will mark Orange Shirt Day this Wednesday, Sept. 30 and is asking everyone to show their support by wearing orange, by using an orange background on Zoom, and by taking advantage of the many university resources gathered to teach the legacy of residential schools.
For those who don’t know the story, Orange Shirt Day recalls a specific instance where six-year-old Phyllis (Jack) Webstad had her shiny new orange shirt taken from her at residential school. People can read the story in Phyllis’ own words at the Orange Shirt Day website.
Wearing orange on Wednesday — even for those working from home or seeing fewer people than normal — can send a powerful message of reclaiming that which was taken. Orange shirts are available at the BU Bookstore, which offers contact-free pickup. Order it here.
But wearing orange is only one way for people to participate. Brandon University has also put together a number of other activities and resources so that everyone can learn more about the legacy of residential schools, including one that was right here in Brandon.
Here is what you can do on Wednesday:
- Wear your orange shirt! As mentioned, you can get one from the Bookstore.
- Change your Zoom background. BU has created a custom Every Child Matters background for your online meetings. Download the image. Learn how to change your Zoom background.
- Take part in new learning. The BU Library has created a number of “libguides” which are curated links to current and accurate resources to help guide your learning:
- Post your own reflections. BU has created an online ‘bulletin board’ space for you to share your own thoughts on Orange Shirt Day, and where you can take a photo of how you are acknowledging Orange Shirt Day. Post your reflections using Lino. We have multiple copies of a book, “Speaking My Truth” as a gift for some of those who participate.
Acknowledging the legacy of residential schools can be difficult, even painful. Brandon University has services available to support all members of the BU community.
Students:
- Knowledge Keeper Barb Blind will be available for virtual connections between 1:30–3:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Please email Cheryl Fleming at flemingc@brandonu.ca for details.
- Our counselling services are currently provided remotely. Please call 204-727-9737 to set up an appointment. More information is available online: https://www.brandonu.ca/student-services/personal-counselling/
Faculty & Staff:
- Please take advantage of the many resources available to you through Homewood Health. Information is posted on the HR website: https://www.brandonu.ca/hr/benefits/employee-assistance-program/
More details about Orange Shirt Day are available online at BU’s Orange Shirt Day webpage, part of the BU Indigenous Education website.
Contact
- Brandon University
- communications@brandonu.ca
To receive any BU publication in an alternate format please contact Communications@BrandonU.ca
About BU
Success is built at Brandon University. Our growing, progressive campus welcomes a diverse and inclusive community that combines proud tradition with shared ambition. Through our excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship, we educate students to make a meaningful difference as engaged citizens and leaders. Join us at BrandonU.ca.