Orange Shirt Day Coloring Page: Free PDF Download

The vibrant hues of an orange shirt can ignite a room, and now, you can bring that brightness home with our free Orange Shirt Day coloring page PDF. Perfect for teaching children about inclusivity and unity, this coloring page is a wonderful tool for learning and creativity.

Orange Shirt Day, observed annually on September 30th, is a symbol of remembrance and respect for Indigenous people who were affected by residential schools. It's a day to wear an orange shirt to commemorate the Indigenous children who were forced to attend these schools, many of whom were stripped of their own clothing and dressed in uniform Lua T-shirts instead. So, let's dive into our free Orange Shirt Day coloring page and explore its significance while having fun.

Understanding Orange Shirt Day

Orange Shirt Day was inspired by the story of Phyllis Webstad, a survivor of the Canadian Indian Residential School system. On her first day at residential school, Phyllis arrived wearing a new orange shirt, her favorite color. The shirt was taken from her, and she never saw it again. This was just one of the many injustices Phyllis and countless other Indigenous children faced during their time in these schools.

Today, wearing an orange shirt serves as a visible sign of solidarity with Indigenous people and a pledge to work towards reconciliation. It's a simple act that can spark meaningful conversations and raise awareness about the ongoing effects of residential schools.

Phillis Webstad's Story

Phillis Webstad's story is one of resilience in the face of adversity. Born in 1950 in B.C., Phyllis was taken from her family at the age of six and sent to St. Joseph's Mission Residential School. Her orange shirt, a gift from her grandmother, was taken away upon arrival, a cruel introduction to the harsh realities of the residential school system. Despite this traumatic experience, Phyllis survived the school and has dedicated her life to educating others about the truth of residential schools and their lasting impacts.

Her story is a poignant reminder of the importance of Orange Shirt Day, and it's one that can be shared with children using our free coloring page as a starting point for conversation.

The Orange Shirt Society

The Orange Shirt Society was founded in Phyllis Webstad's honor to educate others about her story and the broader impacts of residential schools. The society works to facilitate healing and promote discussion about these topics, making Orange Shirt Day an annual event. Their efforts have helped spread awareness about the importance of remembering and respecting Indigenous heritage and histories.

The society provides resources for teachers and individuals alike, including the Orange Shirt Day coloring page, making it easy to participate in this vital initiative.

Orange Shirt Day Coloring Page Activities

Our free Orange Shirt Day coloring page is an excellent tool for explaining the significance of Orange Shirt Day to children. Here are some ideas to make the most of your Orange Shirt Day learning experience:

Coloring and Discussion

Start by printing out our free Orange Shirt Day coloring page. As children color the page, encourage them to ask questions and engage in conversation about the meaning behind Orange Shirt Day. Discuss the importance of being kind, inclusive, and respectful towards all people, and how wearing an orange shirt can be a symbol of these values.

As they color, they might notice the orange shirt on the page, which can lead to a discussion about Phyllis Webstad's story and the significance of orange shirts on this day.

Orange Shirt Crafts

Once the coloring page is complete, turn it into an Orange Shirt Day craft by laminating the finished product or turning it into a poster. Alternatively, you could use the coloring page as a template to create orange shirt cut-outs for a classroom display or to turn into pins or badges to wear on Orange Shirt Day.

Encourage children to create their own orange-themed crafts at home, such as drawing or painting pictures of orange shirts, or making orange pom-poms or paper chains to celebrate the day.

By embracing our free Orange Shirt Day coloring page and incorporating it into your learning activities, you're helping to foster a new generation of informed and compassionate individuals. So, grab your crayons, markers, or paintbrushes, and let's color the path to unity and understanding, one orange shirt at a time.