Orange Shirt Day is an annual day of recognition on September 30, when people are encouraged to wear an orange shirt in recognition of the long-lasting harmful effects of residential schools in Canada. The orange shirt, established by the story of Phyllis Webstad, symbolizes the resilience and regeneration of Indigenous culture in Canada. The day has been declared a federal statutory holiday titled National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

At BC Hydro, it’s important for us to recognize that the lands we operate on, and the waterways we generate energy from, have been stewarded by First Nations for thousands of years. Their modern-day ancestors are part of our workforce, and Indigenous communities across the province are integral partners in our work to generate and supply clean energy to British Columbians. Recognizing Orange Shirt Day in the classroom helps our future generations to recognize past mistakes and the importance of working together toward a stronger future.

To help engage your students in learning about Orange Shirt Day, we have created two brand new activities available in French and English: one for K-3 students and one for Grades 4-7. These activities include information, videos, and curated reading to help students understand the meaning of Orange Shirt Day. Then students will participate in easy crafting activities tailored to their grade level, which will help them to remember the lessons they’ve learned and create a classroom display to recognize that Every Child Matters.

Our Orange Shirt Day activities will be available until Friday, October 4.

We have worked with Indigenous educators and subject matter experts to create dozens curriculum-aligned activities that incorporate an Indigenous lens on environmental stewardship and conservation. Check out our recommended list of activities below for ideas.

This year's Orange Shirt Day activities:

• Learn about why Every Child Matters (K–3)
• Learn about why Every Child Matters (4–7)
  
  

Recommended activities:

Grades 1-7

• Drops of wisdom
• Seven generations thinking
• Learning about water from traditional teachings
• Stewards of the water
• T'Sou-ke First Nation: Solar powered
• How does hydroelectric power impact Indigenous communities?
• Indigenous communities and climate resilience

Grades 8–12

• Respectful collaboration to create sustainable energy
• Respectful dam designs
• Respectfully meeting future energy needs
• Reconciliation and energy
• Thinking about water and climate change