Every Child Matters is a powerful reminder of the painful history and lasting impacts of residential schools on Indigenous peoples in Canada. Orange Shirt Day, held annually on September 30th, honours the story of Phyllis Webstad, a Northern Secwpemc woman whose brand-new orange shirt was taken from her on her first day at a residential school when she was a child. This shirt became a symbol of the stripping away of identity, culture, and dignity experienced by thousands of Indigenous children who were forced to attend these schools.

The discovery of unmarked graves at former residential school sites across the country has brought to light the tragic reality that many children never returned home. These graves remind us of the suffering, loss, and silence endured by generations of Indigenous families. Every Child Matters urges us to remember these children and to acknowledge the deep harm caused by the residential school system.

Reconciliation is necessary not only to honour those who were lost but also to build understanding, respect, and healing between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. It calls on all Canadians to commit to truth-telling, to support Indigenous rights and cultures, and to ensure that the mistakes of the past are never repeated. Through learning, listening, and standing together, we can work towards a future where every child is valued, safe, and proud of who they are.