In Jennifer Qupanuaq May’s cozy home office in Pointe-Claire, Montreal, a vibrant orange fabric drapes the table. Displayed on a mannequin is one of her unique handmade shirts bearing the words: “Grandson of a Residential School Survivor.” Recalling her daughter proudly wearing a similar shirt to school, May highlighted the importance of raising awareness about Indigenous children in educational institutions.
Hailing from Kuujjuaq in Nunavik, northern Quebec, May has been crafting orange shirts for four years, reflecting her personal connection to the cause and the desire to initiate crucial conversations within her community. With September 30 marking Orange Shirt Day, officially designated as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, people nationwide are encouraged to don orange attire in solidarity with Indigenous children who endured the residential school system.
While the commercial availability of orange shirts grows, concerns arise about potential dilution of their impactful message. May, who both donates and sells her shirts, often with the assistance of her children, underscores the emotional significance of the endeavor for her family.
The iconic orange shirt symbolizes the poignant story of Phyllis Webstad, a member of the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation, who had her cherished orange shirt taken from her on her first day at a residential school. This act of stripping away personal belongings mirrors the broader cultural suppression experienced by generations of Indigenous children within the residential school system.
Despite the shift towards mainstream availability, some Indigenous artists express unease at the commercialization of Orange Shirt Day, fearing the loss of its inherent meaning. Advocating for direct support of Indigenous creators, artist Stephen Jerome urges individuals to procure shirts from original sources rather than mass-market retailers.
Conversely, the Orange Shirt Society, founded by Webstad, collaborates with major retailers to expand awareness and generate funds for survivors and their families. Through official partnerships, proceeds are directed towards supportive programs, aiming to educate and engage a wider audience on the significance of Orange Shirt Day.
For May and other artists and survivors, creating orange shirts serves as a poignant tribute to their community’s history and a means of preserving the memory of those impacted by the residential school system. The enduring message remains clear: every child matters, whether the shirts are meticulously crafted in a home studio or displayed on store shelves.
