Orange Shirt Day
At Sustainable Style Co., we are proud to launch our orange shirt initiative in honour of National Day for Truth & Reconciliation. This important day serves as a reminder of the ongoing journey towards healing and reconciliation for Indigenous communities in Canada.
Our orange shirts are more than just a fashion statement. They are a symbol of solidarity and a way to actively address the legacy of Residential Schools. All net revenue generated from the sale of these shirts will be donated to the YWCA Edmonton's Healing Haven program.
About the Cause:
The Healing Haven program offers ceremony-based healing retreats for families impacted by the MMIWG2S crisis. By purchasing one of our orange shirts, you are not only showing your allyship, but also actively supporting the process of reconciliation and contributing to the well-being of those affected by this crisis.
About the Artwork:
This powerful artwork by Indigenous artist Ken Letander tells the story of an Indigenous child who is unable to speak up and share their voice and truths. The child is depicted covering their mouth with their hand, a powerful symbol of the impact that Indian Residential Schools had on Indigenous communities. The outline of the child is in the shape of a sun, with three sun rays representing a mother, father, and child, all of whom were impacted by the residential school system.
The intentional absence of the rest of the picture represents the loss of family, culture, and ways of life experienced by Indigenous Peoples due to colonialism and residential schools. This powerful artwork serves as a reminder of the importance of listening to and amplifying Indigenous voices, and working towards reconciliation and a better understanding of Indigenous histories.
By engaging in meaningful dialogue, learning about Indigenous histories, and respecting and appreciating differences, we can begin to see and appreciate the full picture of Indigenous experiences and contributions in our society. It is our collective responsibility to work towards a more just and equitable future for all.
About the Artist:
Ken Letander is the founder and CEO of Strat First Inc. and an international speaker and First Nations artist. Ken's experience in speaking on the topic of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) is extensive, unique, and deeply impactful. His work with the TRC from 2010-2012 gave him the opportunity to personally interview First Nations Residential School Survivors and their children across Canada.
Ken worked with TRC Chair Murray Sinclair and gained a firsthand understanding of the importance of truth and reconciliation in Canada. The TRC was established to document the history and legacy of Residential Schools in Canada, which aimed to assimilate Indigenous children into mainstream culture. The TRC sought to uncover the truth about these schools and promote reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples.
In addition to his work with the TRC, Ken has also supported the development of the Government of Alberta's Sixties Scoop Apology.
Sustainability:
We are committed to sustainability, which is why these shirts are made from ultra-soft GOTS Certified organic cotton. By choosing our orange shirts, you are making a conscious choice to minimize your carbon footprint and support eco-friendly fashion.
Furthermore, we believe in supporting local businesses and communities. That's why each shirt is pressed right here in Edmonton, ensuring that every purchase contributes to the growth and prosperity of our local economy.
Join us in wearing orange on September 30th. Together, we can make a difference and create a more sustainable and inclusive future.
Shop now and be a part of the change.
Our orange shirts are more than just a fashion statement. They are a symbol of solidarity and a way to actively address the legacy of Residential Schools. All net revenue generated from the sale of these shirts will be donated to the YWCA Edmonton's Healing Haven program.
About the Cause:
The Healing Haven program offers ceremony-based healing retreats for families impacted by the MMIWG2S crisis. By purchasing one of our orange shirts, you are not only showing your allyship, but also actively supporting the process of reconciliation and contributing to the well-being of those affected by this crisis.
About the Artwork:
This powerful artwork by Indigenous artist Ken Letander tells the story of an Indigenous child who is unable to speak up and share their voice and truths. The child is depicted covering their mouth with their hand, a powerful symbol of the impact that Indian Residential Schools had on Indigenous communities. The outline of the child is in the shape of a sun, with three sun rays representing a mother, father, and child, all of whom were impacted by the residential school system.
The intentional absence of the rest of the picture represents the loss of family, culture, and ways of life experienced by Indigenous Peoples due to colonialism and residential schools. This powerful artwork serves as a reminder of the importance of listening to and amplifying Indigenous voices, and working towards reconciliation and a better understanding of Indigenous histories.
By engaging in meaningful dialogue, learning about Indigenous histories, and respecting and appreciating differences, we can begin to see and appreciate the full picture of Indigenous experiences and contributions in our society. It is our collective responsibility to work towards a more just and equitable future for all.
About the Artist:
Ken Letander is the founder and CEO of Strat First Inc. and an international speaker and First Nations artist. Ken's experience in speaking on the topic of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) is extensive, unique, and deeply impactful. His work with the TRC from 2010-2012 gave him the opportunity to personally interview First Nations Residential School Survivors and their children across Canada.
Ken worked with TRC Chair Murray Sinclair and gained a firsthand understanding of the importance of truth and reconciliation in Canada. The TRC was established to document the history and legacy of Residential Schools in Canada, which aimed to assimilate Indigenous children into mainstream culture. The TRC sought to uncover the truth about these schools and promote reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples.
In addition to his work with the TRC, Ken has also supported the development of the Government of Alberta's Sixties Scoop Apology.
Sustainability:
We are committed to sustainability, which is why these shirts are made from ultra-soft GOTS Certified organic cotton. By choosing our orange shirts, you are making a conscious choice to minimize your carbon footprint and support eco-friendly fashion.
Furthermore, we believe in supporting local businesses and communities. That's why each shirt is pressed right here in Edmonton, ensuring that every purchase contributes to the growth and prosperity of our local economy.
Join us in wearing orange on September 30th. Together, we can make a difference and create a more sustainable and inclusive future.
Shop now and be a part of the change.