Understanding Orange Shirt Day - what it means and why we recognize it as a special day.

By Gazette Staff

August 20th, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

The designs are often different – the message is always the same.

Indigenous educator Kate Dickson returns to Burlington Public Library to discuss Orange Shirt Day and its direct connection to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Each year, September 30 holds historical significance acknowledging over 500 years of colonial oppression and discrimination of Indigenous people in Canada. This no-holds-barred presentation will have a positive conclusion that outlines what we can do to change the narrative and stresses Every Child Matters. Due to the subject matter, young people may attend at the discretion of parents but it is recommended that participants be 16 years and older.

Kate welcomes thoughts and questions in addition to the respect and energy attendees bring to the talk. Participants are invited to wear an orange shirt if they have one.

About the Author

Kate Dickson, Coast Ts’msyen First Nation, Elder, Pacific Northwest British Columbia.

Kate Dickson, Coast Ts’msyen First Nation, Elder, Pacific Northwest British Columbia – Lax Kw’alaams Band, Royal House of Niis’gumiik, Giluts’aaw Tribe, Gispudwada Clan (Orca), is a notable speaker on the culture, history, spirituality, and justice issues of Indigenous people, and a singer, drummer, storyteller, and writer. A retired secondary school vice principal and teacher, she was one of the first Indigenous educators to teach full semesters of pan-Indigenous history, bringing accurate, unflinching truths to her students. She stays engaged in the arts and is a singer with the Red Cedar Sisters.

Tuesday, September 30
7:00pm – 8:30pm

There are just 55 seats left.  Events like this go quickly – Register now.