seasonal timing of Truth and Reconciliation Day

In this artwork, light could be used to symbolize truth, the act of revealing what was hidden, and the power of knowledge.

‘light so bright’ might represent the painful truths that come to the surface when acknowledging the history of residential schools. It is the kind of light that cannot be ignored—it forces the viewer to confront the reality of what happened to the children.

The darkness, by contrast, could represent the forgotten stories, the silenced voices, and the hidden traumas that lived in the shadows for so long. But the interplay of light and dark can also show how truth emerges from those shadows. As the bright orange light floods the piece, it doesn’t merely dispel the darkness—it transforms it, showing that while the darkness represents the painful past, it is also the foundation for future healing.

This artwork should strive to evoke the feeling of illumination—of finally seeing things clearly. The brightness of this light, symbolizing truth and justice, should have a visceral impact on the viewer, forcing them to acknowledge the weight of the history and the imperative of reconciliation. This light burns not to destroy, but like a phoenix, to renew, just as reconciliation is not about erasing the past, but about confronting it so we can build a better future for every child.

Through these shades of orange, along with the overwhelming light that represents the revealing of truth, my artwork tries to capture the emotional intensity of Truth and Reconciliation Day—honouring the past, mourning the losses, and pointing toward a hopeful, unified future.

The colour orange holds deep symbolic significance in the context of Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Day, specifically through its association with Orange Shirt Day, which honours the legacy of Indigenous children who were forcibly taken to residential schools. The color was chosen because of Phyllis Jack Webstad’s personal experience when, at six years old, her new orange shirt was stripped from her on her first day at a residential school. This act came to symbolize the broader erasure of identity, culture, and dignity that countless Indigenous children faced in these institutions​(CIRNAC)​(ShipRocket).

The specific reason orange was chosen for Orange Shirt Day—now recognized on Truth and Reconciliation Day—comes from the personal story of Phyllis Jack Webstad, a Northern Secwepemc (Shuswap) woman. At six years old, Webstad was excited to wear a new bright orange shirt her grandmother had given her on her first day at a residential school. However, upon arriving, the school took the shirt from her, symbolizing the broader experience of Indigenous children whose personal identities, cultures, and connections to family were stripped away by the residential school system.

Orange, in this context, represents loss and trauma, but also resilience and healing. Phyllis Webstad's story became the foundation for Orange Shirt Day, established to raise awareness of the harmful legacy of residential schools and to honor the survivors. Over time, the bright hue of orange has come to signify the acknowledgment of these historical wrongs, the importance of truth-telling, and the ongoing path to reconciliation​(CIRNAC)​(ShipRocket).

The choice of orange goes beyond Webstad’s personal story—it is now a symbol of hope and solidarity, encouraging all Canadians to reflect on the lasting impact of residential schools and to commit to creating a more just future where every child is honored and valued.

Orange, as a color, represents both the trauma of that loss and the resilience of those who survived. It has become a visual representation of truth-telling, healing, and remembrance, all central to the reconciliation process. As a bright, warm hue, orange contrasts with the often dark history it memorializes, symbolizing hope for a future where Indigenous voices, stories, and cultures are not just acknowledged but celebrated.

The seasonal timing of Truth and Reconciliation Day, at the end of September, coincides with autumn, where the natural world often displays vibrant shades of orange. This further deepens its visual impact, as orange becomes both a color of mourning for what was lost and a color of renewal for what can be rebuilt.