“We ask Manitobans to carry what they learn into the rest of the year. Our children deserve to grow up connected to their families, languages, cultures, and Nations.”
~ Grand Chief Jerry Daniels
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 29, 2026
ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — As Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation approach, the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) honours residential school Survivors, their families, and the children who never came home.
“September 30 is a day to listen to Survivors, remember the children who were taken from their families, and reflect on the harm that continues across generations,” said Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “We ask Manitobans to carry what they learn into the rest of the year. Our children deserve to grow up connected to their families, languages, cultures, and Nations.”
Orange Shirt Day began with the story shared by Phyllis Webstad of an orange shirt taken from her when she arrived at residential school as a child. Today, wearing orange is a visible expression of the message that, “Every Child Matters.”
SCO encourages everyone to learn about the history of residential schools and listen to Survivors who choose to share their experiences.
“Remembering the children who never came home also means thinking about the children growing up today. As youth, we want to see our languages, cultures, and traditions continue. We want to grow up knowing who we are, where we come from, and that we matter,” shared Youth Chief Lacy Bird of Black River First Nation.
SCO is hosting its Sixth Annual Orange Shirt Day Healing Walk and Pow Wow on Wednesday, September 30, in Winnipeg on Treaty One Territory. The opening ceremony begins at 9:30 am at Oodena Celebration Circle at The Forks, followed by a healing walk to Canada Life Centre starting around 11 am. The pow wow grand entry is scheduled for 1 pm.
The gathering brings Survivors, families, First Nations citizens, and allies together in remembrance, solidarity, and celebration of the continued strength of our Nations.
“Every Child Matters must be reflected in how we treat First Nations children and families today,” said Grand Chief Daniels. “We must protect our languages and cultures, support Survivors and their families, and make sure our children have the care and opportunities they deserve. That responsibility continues long after the orange shirts are put away.”
SCO invites Manitobans to attend our Orange Shirt Day Healing Walk and Pow Wow tomorrow, wear orange, and continue learning beyond September 30. Event details and educational resources are available at https://scoinc.mb.ca/orangeshirtday2026/.
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The Southern Chiefs’ Organization represents 33 First Nations and more than 92,000 citizens in what is now called southern Manitoba. SCO is an independent political organization that protects, preserves, promotes, and enhances First Nations peoples’ inherent rights, languages, customs, and traditions through the application and implementation of the spirit and intent of the Treaty-making process.
For media inquiries:
Email: Media@scoinc.mb.ca