“For generations, September was a time of pain. It was the time of year our children were taken from their homes. Now, we gather to reclaim this month in strength and solidarity.”
–Grand Chief Jerry Daniels
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 30, 2025
ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — On this Orange Shirt Day—also known as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation—the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) and our member Nations stand in unity with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples and allies across Turtle Island. Today, we wear orange as we host the 5th Annual Orange Shirt Day Healing Walk and Pow Wow to honour the Survivors of residential schools, to remember the children who never returned home, and to continue the journey of truth, justice, and healing.
“For generations, September was a time of pain. It was the time of year our children were taken from their homes,” shared Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “Now, we gather to reclaim this month in strength and solidarity. We wear orange to honour the lives that were lost and to support the healing journeys of those who survived.”
Residential schools operated across Canada for more than a century (late 1800s and 1996), with an estimated 150,000 First Nations children taken from their homes and communities. These institutions were designed to break the sacred bonds between children, their cultures, languages, and identities.
Orange Shirt Day was inspired by Phyllis Webstad, a residential school Survivor who was sent to a school at age six. On her first day, she wore a bright orange shirt chosen by her grandmother. It was taken away from her upon arrival and never returned. Her story has become a symbol of the loss experienced by children across the country.
Today, SCO is hosting the 5th Annual Orange Shirt Day Healing Walk and Pow Wow in Winnipeg, Treaty One Territory with a pipe ceremony at 10 am at the Oodena Circle at The Forks in Winnipeg, a healing walk at 11 am that leads to the RBC Convention Centre, and a 1 pm grand entry for the pow wow. The pow wow features nearly 100 vendors, largely from SCO member Nations, which provides an opportunity for attendees to demonstrate their support for First Nations artists and entrepreneurs.
“Today is a time for ceremony, remembrance, and unity,” said Grand Chief Daniels. “We walk to honour the memory of the children who never came home. We dance for the Survivors who carry these truths. We gather as Nations to lift each other up in healing.”
Throughout the month of September, SCO has been running its 5th annual Every Child Matters education campaign, which includes social media outreach and public education materials. The campaign helps Manitobans learn about the history of Orange Shirt Day and the lasting legacy of residential schools.
“Orange Shirt Day gives us a moment to reflect, but it must also inspire action. Last week, we witnessed the pain many Survivors felt due to people who deny the dark truth of residential schools. Today, SCO calls on all Manitobans to stand up against residential school denialism and join us in celebrating the resilience of our Survivors, their families, and the memories of the children who never made it home. SCO also calls on the colonial governments to make residential school denialism illegal,” added Grand Chief Daniels. “Reconciliation is not a one-day event. It is a path forward that requires truth, accountability, and meaningful change. I invite everyone to join us, learn from Survivors, and commit to healing together.”
SCO encourages everyone to wear orange on September 30, wherever you are, to honour the children, the Survivors, and the generations impacted by the residential school system.
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The Southern Chiefs’ Organization represents 32 First Nations and more than 87,000 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