Orange Shirt Sunday
On September 30 we observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The United Church of Canada observes the Sunday before September 30 as Orange Shirt Sunday
Orange Shirt Day is a call by Indigenous people to honour residential school survivors, their families, and their communities, as well as all the children who did not come home from the institutions. On September 30 we observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Wear an orange shirt to say that every child matters.
A Prayer as We Wear Orange
Creator,
You made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them.
You made us as people, as communities, and as families.
You intend for us to grow and flourish together.
You command us to do good works, to be generous, and to build a good life for all.
Some of us wear orange today to say that we did not always experience what you want for us,
because we were taken away from our families and communities against our will.
Some of us wear orange today to acknowledge that we are not yet who you intend us to be,
and that we have not lived up to your commandments.
All of us are wearing orange today to say that Every Child Matters,
and that we want to help create a future that values all Indigenous peoples.
Our prayers today are not simple expressions of hope for justice;
they are our commitment to create your justice on earth.
We pray
… to acknowledge the harm caused by residential institutions and to honour all who were taken
… for the end of racial discrimination against Indigenous children
… for the end of racist colonial systems that continue to harm all Indigenous peoples
… for the humility to open ourselves to the task before us, and the courage to work together
You tell us to build up a good foundation for the future,
so that we might “take hold of the life that is really life.”
We wear orange today, and we commit to the life that you intend us to live together.
Amen.
Scriptural references: Psalm 146; 1 Timothy 6:6-19
By Sara Stratton, Reconciliation and Indigenous Justice Animator
This year, for Orange Shirt Day, consider deepening your commitment through a gift or special offering to the Healing Fund, which supports initiatives for survivors of the residential school system and its ongoing intergenerational impacts.