The SHA Orange Shirt: A Symbol of commitment

September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day. This day calls on all of us to reflect on the history and lasting impacts of Residential Schools. The orange shirt is a powerful symbol of this history, representing the children who never returned home, honouring the survivors and their families, and reminding us that every child matters. By wearing an orange shirt, we open the door to conversations about truth, healing, and reconciliation, and we show our commitment to building a better future together.

For the first time, the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) has created an Every Child Matters orange shirt as a demonstration of our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, a symbol of the commitment we make to Indigenous patients, families, and communities, and a reflection of our CARES values. Designed in collaboration with Saskatchewan-based Indigenous artists by the SHA’s First Nations and Métis Health team, the SHA Orange Shirt carries imagery that honours First Nations, Métis, and Inuit cultures. It was created with compassion, respect, and care to reflect both our health-care work and our shared journey toward reconciliation. Wearing this shirt is a visible way to say: “We see you, we hear you, and we stand with you.”

This shirt is not just for one day. All SHA staff are invited to wear their orange shirts on the last Friday of each month, including September 26. This reminds us that reconciliation is an ongoing process, not a single event.

By wearing the SHA orange shirt, SHA team members show that we value truth, healing, and respect. It is a way to open conversations with patients, families, and co-workers about the history of Residential Schools and the meaning of Every Child Matters. Orange Shirt Day is a time for reflection, learning, and action. The SHA orange shirt is one tool we use to keep that commitment visible.