Community and support: Alexis Blackbird's Orange Shirt Day design

Each year, the University of Saskatchewan (USask) partners with an Indigenous artist to create a design that helps carry the meaning of Orange Shirt Day into everyday spaces. The artist is selected through an open call led by the Indigenous Space and Visual Symbols in the Health Sciences Committee. This year’s artwork reflects themes of connection, community, and care, grounded in the artist’s own experiences and the importance of remembering, learning, and supporting one another.

Alexis Blackbird, an Anishinaabe (Odawa) artist and member of Walpole Island First Nation, draws on personal stories and cultural teachings to shape her work. Through this design, she invites reflection on the meaning of the day and the role people can play in continuing that understanding.

Alexis reflects on the meaning behind the design and what she hopes people take from it, including how it connects to Sept. 30, which marks Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation:

Tell us about the idea or feeling behind your artwork.

I wanted this piece to honour the children who never returned home, the Survivors, and the families and communities impacted by residential schools. While it reflects on a difficult history, it also speaks to the importance of community, support, and the ways we can continue to show up for each other.

Are there any parts of the design you’d like people to notice or spend time with?

I don't think there's one specific part I'd point people to. I hope the artwork encourages people to ask questions or acknowledge the meaning of this day. If it leads someone to reflect, ask questions, read more, listen to a Survivor’s experience, or continue their path of learning then that's what I'd hope people take away from it.

How did the artwork come together for you?

I knew I wanted the imagery to be within the words, so from there I started thinking about the themes of community, support, and remembering, and images that would help tell that story.

In your own way, how does this piece connect to what Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation mean to you?

To me, Orange Shirt Day is about remembering, learning, and creating space for those important conversations. It's an opportunity to honour Survivors and those who never returned home, while also recognizing that reconciliation is something we all have a role in.

When someone wears this shirt, what do you hope it might carry for them or help them reflect on?

I hope people feel proud to wear it, not only as a way to honour the day, but also as a way of showing their support for Indigenous peoples and their willingness to continue learning and listening.

What does it mean to you to have your artwork shared with the University of Saskatchewan community?

It means a lot to have my artwork shared. I appreciate that the university continues to support Indigenous artists and create opportunities for Indigenous stories, experiences, and perspectives to be shared.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your artwork or your approach?

My artwork is often inspired by everyday experiences, the things I love, and stories or teachings that have stayed with me. Whether someone connects with the story behind the artwork or simply enjoys the design itself, I hope they feel proud to wear, share, or display it. 

Proceeds from Orange Shirt Day merchandise contribute to work connected to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, with a portion of proceeds also directed to the artist.

To order an orange shirt from Shop USask, visit https://shop.usask.ca/orange-shirt-day

• Group/department orders of 20 or more are eligible to receive a 10% discount and should be placed no later than Aug. 28 at noon to ensure arrival by Sept. 25.

Resources for learning and reflection

The University of Saskatchewan continues to advance its commitments to Truth and Reconciliation through ohpahotân | oohpaahotaan, the Indigenous strategy for the University of Saskatchewan. This strategy guides the institution in respectfully engaging with Indigenous worldviews, supporting decolonization, and uplifting Indigenization across all areas of university life.

The following resources are available to support learning, reflection, and continued engagement with the history and ongoing impacts of the Canadian residential school system, Orange Shirt Day, and the broader context of Truth and Reconciliation:

• Office of the Vice-Provost Indigenous Engagement (OVPIE) – Learn about Indigenization, decolonization, Indigenous wellness resources and cultural history: OVPIE website
• USask Spotlight – Visit spotlight.usask.ca for information on events and programming taking place on campus and in the community as Orange Shirt Day approaches. The site also features Indigenous wellness resources, community supports, and opportunities for continued learning and engagement
• I-Portal: Indigenous Studies Portal – Access a wide range of Indigenous-focused academic and cultural resources: I-Portal
• USask Orange Shirt Day research guide – Explore a curated collection of resources to support education, reflection and action: USask library guide
• Orange Shirt Day – Learn about the origins of this day through the story shared by Phyllis Webstad: orangeshirtday.org
• Office of the Treaty Commissioner: Reconciliation in Saskatchewan – Learn how individuals, communities and organizations across the province are advancing Truth and Reconciliation through local initiatives, partnerships and shared visioning: otc.ca
• Saskatoon Tribal Council – Learn about programs and services led by STC that support health, justice, education, family well-being, employment and community development in partnership with seven member First Nations: sktc.sk.ca
• Every Child Matters: Truth and Reconciliation – Access educational videos shared by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation: nctr.ca

Health and wellness supports

• Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line – 24/7 support for survivors: 1-866-925-4419
• Hope for Wellness Help Line – 24/7 counselling for Indigenous peoples: 1-855-242-3310 or hopeforwellness.ca
• USask Student Affairs and Outreach – Support for students: 306-966-5757 or outreach@usask.ca

Trademark notice
EVERY CHILD MATTERS is a trademark owned by the Orange Shirt Society and is used under licence.