On April 13th, 2026, Orange Shirt Society will proudly celebrate a historic step in education and reconciliation with a graduation ceremony at BC Place. This powerful gathering brings together the Class of 2026 in unity, inclusion, and Truth and Reconciliation.

For the first time in Canadian history, we’re celebrating graduates who have been taught the truth about residential schools throughout their entire educational journey — from kindergarten to grade 12.

This celebration marks progress toward achieving the ‘Truth’ in Truth and Reconciliation, honouring all children and graduates in a ceremony that unites cultures, honours Survivors and their families, and empowers youth.

The annual Orange Shirt Day on September 30th opens the door to global conversation on all aspects of Residential Schools. It is an opportunity to create meaningful discussion about the effects of Residential Schools and the legacy they have left behind. A discussion all Canadians can tune into and create bridges with each other for reconciliation. A day for survivors to be reaffirmed that they matter, and so do those that have been affected.

Every Child Matters, even if they are an adult, from now on.

The date was chosen because it is the time of year in which children were taken from their homes to residential schools, and because it is an opportunity to set the stage for anti-racism and anti-bullying policies for the coming school year. It is an opportunity for First Nations, local governments, schools and communities to come together in the spirit of reconciliation and hope for generations of children to come.

It all started right here in the Cariboo, and as a result, School District No. 27 was chosen by the First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) to pilot curriculum changes for all Grade 5 and Grade 10 students reflecting the residential school experience, which have now been implemented province-wide.