Orange Shirt Day is a reminder that every child matters - BGC Canada

Young people are the future of Reconciliation!

From the Yukon to Calgary to Saint John, Boys and Girls Clubs across the country are deeply engaged in Indigenous programs and in Indigenous culture.

Working with Indigenous youth in urban centres and rural communities, Clubs are taking a grassroots approach to Reconciliation, while at the national level a committee is working to create a comprehensive strategy to Indigenous programming.

“Each small step is a step on the path of Reconciliation,” says Owen Charters, President & CEO of Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada.

In the spirit of Reconciliation, Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada will be taking part in Orange Shirt Day on September 30, 2019.

This day commemorates the thousands of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit children who were removed from their homes at this time of the year and forced to attend residential schools.

An Orange Shirt Day t-shirt design was contest held by the Saskatoon Club for its kids. Congratulations to Gianna—her design will be featured on the official shirts worn by Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada’s national team! The design has also been shared with Clubs across Canada.

A smiling young girl named Gianna stands in front of a green wall featuring the Boys & Girls Club of Saskatoon logo, holding a drawing for Orange Shirt Day.

Her design is an important reminder that “Every Child Matters” and that everyone needs peace and love in their lives.

A child's drawing with the text Every Child Matters, featuring hearts, a peace symbol, and a depiction of figures around the globe.
A bright orange t-shirt featuring a child's drawing in the center that reads Every Child Matters, decorated with hearts, a peace symbol, and a globe graphic.

Leading up to September 30, Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada will be sharing artwork drawn by Club children, inspired by the theme of this year’s Orange Shirt Day.

Follow @BGCCAN on social media for more #OrangeShirtDay content!

A child's drawing features a rainbow arching over an infinity symbol and two figures standing on the ground, with the text Every Child Matters written along the rainbow.
A child's drawing shows an orange t-shirt decorated with hearts and flowers, surrounded by pink stars, with the text EVERYONE MATTERS below.

A child's drawing features the text Every Child Matters surrounding an image of clasped hands over a globe.
A child's drawing depicts four stick figures wearing orange shirts inside a red jagged border, with the text Every Child Matters! written below.