As we approach September 30, Sustainable Style Co. proudly aligns itself with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation through our dedicated Orange Shirt Day initiative. This day, which holds deep significance across Canada, honours the children who were lost to the residential school system, the survivors who endured its traumas, and the families and communities forever changed by this dark chapter in history. It is a day to reflect on our collective past and commit to a future rooted in healing, understanding, and reconciliation.
The Symbolism of Orange Shirt Day
Orange Shirt Day, born from the courageous voices of Indigenous leaders and communities, serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring impacts of the residential school system. The orange shirt has come to symbolize the cultural suppression, loss of identity, and the emotional and physical hardships that countless Indigenous children faced. It represents a story of survival, resilience, and the ongoing journey toward reclaiming lost traditions and voices.
At Sustainable Style Co., our orange shirts are more than just clothing - they are a statement of solidarity, an act of remembrance, and a step towards actively supporting the reconciliation process. By choosing to wear orange on September 30, you are standing with Indigenous communities, acknowledging the past, and advocating for a future where EVERY CHILD MATTERS.
Elevating Indigenous Voices Through Art and Awareness
This year, we are honoUred to feature an evocative design by Indigenous artist Ken Letander on our orange shirts. The artwork powerfully conveys the story of an Indigenous child, silenced by the trauma inflicted by the residential school system. The child is depicted covering their mouth, symbolizing the enforced silence and the struggle to voice their pain and experiences. Surrounding the child is the shape of a sun, with three rays representing a mother, father, and child, each deeply impacted by the colonial practices that sought to dismantle Indigenous family structures.
The deliberate absences in the artwork speak to the cultural, familial, and spiritual losses endured by Indigenous Peoples due to these oppressive systems. This design not only serves as a tribute to those who suffered but also as a call to action for all Canadians to listen, learn, and amplify Indigenous stories. By wearing this shirt, you are contributing to the healing process and supporting the resurgence of Indigenous cultures and voices.
About the Cause: Healing Haven Program
Our commitment to reconciliation goes beyond symbolism. Sustainable Style Co. is proud to donate all net revenue from our orange shirt sales to the YWCA Edmonton's Healing Haven program. This vital initiative provides Indigenos led ceremony-based healing retreats for families impacted by the ongoing crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S). By purchasing one of our orange shirts, you are not only showing your allyship but also directly supporting the well-being and healing of those affected by this crisis.
Our Commitment to Ethical and Sustainable Fashion
At Sustainable Style Co., our commitment to social justice is matched by our dedication to environmental stewardship. Our orange shirts are crafted from ultra-soft, GOTS Certified organic cotton, ensuring that your purchase is both sustainable and ethical. We believe that fashion should honor the earth as much as it honors the people who wear it. Each shirt is pressed locally in Edmonton, reinforcing our commitment to supporting local businesses and fostering a strong, resilient community.
Join Us in Observing National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
We invite you to stand with us on September 30 by wearing orange and participating in the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Take action in your own way:
- Educate yourself by reading the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action.
- Participate in local events to learn and reflect on the stories of residential school survivors.
- Wear orange to show solidarity with Indigenous peoples.
- Make a donation to an Indigenous-led organization.
- Support local Indigenous businesses.
By engaging with Indigenous histories, supporting initiatives like Orange Shirt Day, and taking part in the collective work of reconciliation, we can all contribute to a future where the experiences and contributions of Indigenous Peoples are fully recognized and respected. Together, we can build a society that values inclusivity, equity, and justice for all.
Shop our orange shirts now and be a catalyst for change.