On Monday, Sept. 30, communities across North America observed Orange Shirt Day. It is a day dedicated to remembering the Indigenous children who were forced into residential schools by the United States government and Euro-religious institutions. This day highlights a painful chapter in U.S. and Canadian history as it serves as a reminder of the lasting impact these schools had on Indigenous peoples. Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You The day’s significance resonates deeply, even in places like Hawaiʻi, where colonialism has also affected Native Hawaiian culture. The origins of Orange Shirt Day trace back to the story of Phyllis Webstad, a Northern Secwepemc woman from British Columbia. In 2013, she shared her experience of arriving at a residential school wearing a bright orange shirt, only to have it taken away. This moment marked the beginning of a painful journey where many Indigenous children faced neglect, abuse, and the stripping away of their identities. Today, the orange shirt symbolizes the experiences of countless children who lost their families, languages, and traditions. Lisa Kaʻanoʻi, president of Oʻahu's Hoʻopili Tribal Council, reflected on the significance of this day for her members. "Orange Shirt Day is a more intimate and personal experience here in Hawaiʻi than many other tribal celebrations," she said. Kaʻanoʻi’s own family history is entwined with this painful legacy. Her mother attended a boarding school in Alaska, and Kaʻanoʻi recounted how her mother would not discuss her experiences. "My mother will not talk about her time at the school," she explained. "We also have members of the intertribal council who had family members who attended these schools and survived." These residential schools were funded by the government and operated by Christian churches. Their aim was to forcibly assimilate Indigenous children into Euro-American culture. They were notorious for their harsh conditions, where many children faced not just neglect but severe abuse. The last of these schools closed in the 1990s, but the trauma they inflicted continues to affect Indigenous communities. Kaʻanoʻi emphasized the long-lasting consequences, stating, "Many generations are still trying to heal from that." Orange Shirt Day serves as a call to action, encouraging everyone to reflect on this painful history and its ongoing effects. It is a day to honor survivors and remember those who never returned home. Wearing orange on this day symbolizes solidarity with Indigenous peoples and a commitment to reconciliation, which involves acknowledging past injustices and working toward healing. In Hawaiʻi, where the impact of colonialism is deeply felt, the observance of Orange Shirt Day connects local Indigenous communities to a broader narrative of resilience. Kaʻanoʻi pointed out that participating in this day helps raise awareness about the issues faced by Indigenous peoples. "Supporting Orange Shirt Day is relevant to Indigenous communities across the Pacific region," she said. "It helps us understand the struggles for justice and ensures that such injustices are never repeated." While some communities may hold large events to commemorate Orange Shirt Day, in Hawaiʻi, the observance tends to be more personal. "Those of us that know each other get together, we wear orange shirts, and we usually take a picture just to honor and remember the survivors, the victims, and their families," Kaʻanoʻi explained. This small gathering reflects a commitment to remembering the past while also focusing on healing for the future. Kaʻanoʻi’s insights serve as a reminder that Orange Shirt Day is not merely a day to wear a color. It is a moment for everyone to engage with history, understand its implications, and support the ongoing struggles for Indigenous rights. "This day is a call to action for all of us to learn about the history of Indigenous peoples," she said. "It encourages us to respect their rights and cultural preservation." As people across the islands donned their orange shirts on Sept. 30, they joined in a powerful movement to honor the resilience of Indigenous peoples, not only in North America but also in Hawaiʻi. To learn more about the Hoʻopili Tribal Council, click here. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8 Together, they acknowledged the struggles of the past while looking forward to a more just and equitable future for all Indigenous communities.