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Orange Shirt Society

Programs

Every Child Matters Crosswalks

A powerful initiative that transforms a piece of everyday public infrastructure into a site of honouring and remembrance.

Honouring Survivors and their families. Remembering the children who never came home.

Orange Every Child Matters crosswalks create immense visual impact bringing opportunities for reflection, honour, remembrance, and discussion surrounding reconciliation and the truth of Indian residential schools. Placed in high foot traffic areas such as community centers, former Indian residential schools, educational institutions, and main streets, they instantly amplify public engagement and promote awareness and education.

Assistance and support from Orange Shirt Society can include funding, mobilization, planning and engagement around the project.

This is never just a crosswalk: It is about honour. It is about remembrance. It is about discussion.  It is about the path forward to truth & reconciliation.

Project criteria and considerations

Design Elements

The crosswalk must include the slogan “Every Child Matters” and be orange in colour.

High-Visibility Location

Projects are encouraged to be placed in high foot-traffic areas, such as near schools, former Indian residential schools, or community centres.

Collaborative Partnerships

Work with neighbouring First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities, along with schools, municipalities, and faith-based groups.

Cultural Ceremony

Include a cultural traditional ceremony, guided by a local Elder or Knowledge Keeper, including smudging, prayer, drumming, and a feast where appropriate.

What the program provides

Funding

Seed funding is available to help get crosswalk initiatives started.

Advisory Support

Orange Shirt Society provides assistance with mobilization, planning, and community engagement to help projects move from idea to implementation.

Creating Awareness

Supported crosswalk projects may be promoted through Orange Shirt Society’s media channels, helping share community success stories and expand awareness across a broader audience.