Selkirk College’s Orange Shirt Day T-shirt features a design deep in symbolism that highlights strength, intergenerational connection and ties to the land.
Kamala Melzack, a member of the Communications & Public Engagement team and graduate of the Digital Arts Program, designed the shirt in 2024.
The Bonds Between People and the Importance of Community
Melzack’s artist statement describes the layers of meaning in the design:
The bear is seen as a protector, full of strength and a teacher. The bear is also a symbol of motherhood. Three children (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) are seen under the bear, who is protecting them. The circle inside the bear signifies spiritual strength that travels through. The four ancestors or Elders (child, youth, adult and Elder) are watching from beyond—guiding and watching over the present generations, and the generations yet to come. The bear, children and ancestors form a hand, representing the bond between people and the importance of community. The camas flower represents ties to the land, earth and ecosystem, and a special connection to family and traditions.
“Kamala’s design is beautiful, and it illustrates the important elements about Orange Shirt Day and our continuous work,” says Dianne Biin, director of Indigenous education & engagement. “Building allyship is essential to the work we are doing within our institution, and Kamala’s contribution is an excellent example.”
Shirt Supports Indigenous Bursary
Shirts are on sale at the Castlegar Campus Bookstore. They can also be purchased over the phone and delivered to other Selkirk College locations. Prices range from $24.95 to $26.95, and $5 from the sale of every shirt will go toward the Rhonda Terbasket Indigenous Support Bursary.
A career practitioner with the Okanagan Training & Development Council, the late Rhonda Terbasket worked with Selkirk College students throughout their educational pursuits, providing guidance, strength and connection.
The Origins of Orange Shirt Day
In 2013, Phyllis (Jack) Webstad began telling the story of her first day at residential school near Williams Lake when her brilliant new orange shirt, bought by her grandmother, was taken from her as a six-year-old girl. Orange Shirt Day, which takes place annually on September 30, is an opportunity to create meaningful discussion about the effects of residential schools and the damaging legacy they have left behind.
Join us throughout the month for events and learning opportunities leading up to Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30.
Learn more about Reconciliation at Selkirk College.
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) #3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) #4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all