Every year on September 30th, Canadians observe Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It is a vital day dedicated to honouring residential school survivors, remembered children who never returned home, their families, and the communities enduring intergenerational trauma.
At Caribou Gifts, we believe that intentional purchasing carries real power. One of the ways we practice truth and reconciliation is by featuring authentic Indigenous-designed products that uplift creators, preserve cultural storytelling, and directly contribute to community wellness and education.
Supporting Truth and Reconciliation Through Art
To ensure our offerings make a genuine impact, we partner with makers like Native Northwest. Native Northwest collaborates directly with Indigenous artists across North America to bring authentic artwork into everyday life while directly supporting Indigenous-led initiatives.
In 2021, Native Northwest established the Native Northwest Reconciliation Fund. This fund was designed specifically to support people and families impacted by the residential school system.
The Impact of the Reconciliation Fund
Through the proceeds of Every Child Matters products and related collections, the fund advances Reconciliation across three core pillars:
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Learning: Supporting over 300 scholarships and awards at more than 20 post-secondary institutions across Canada, helping Indigenous students complete their degrees and pursue careers in arts, education, healthcare, and beyond.
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Wellness: Funding key community support organizations, such as the BC Aboriginal Childcare Society, Urban Native Youth Association, and Aboriginal Head Start Association of BC.
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Culture: Honouring First Nations, Inuit, and MĂ©tis traditions by amplifying artist voices, sharing cultural awareness, and fostering open dialogue around Canada's history.
To date, the fund has donated over $400,000 directly back into these initiatives.
Featured Products That Give Back
When you shop Native Northwest items at Caribou Gifts, you are directly supporting Indigenous artists through fair royalty structures and helping fund vital Reconciliation programs.
Every Child Matters Orange T-Shirts
Wearing an orange shirt on September 30th signifies a shared commitment to remembrance and healing.
Our Orange T-Shirt - Every Child Matters (The Children Are Coming Home) features original artwork by Ditidaht, Nuu-chah-nulth artist Deanna Samuel. Her powerful design, titled "The Children Are Coming Home," reflects memory, spirit, and ancestral connection. Available in youth and adult sizes, these t-shirts are an impactful way for families and classrooms to participate in Orange Shirt Day. Proceeds from the sale of these shirts go directly to the Native Northwest Reconciliation Fund.
Authentic Contemporary Art Items
Beyond Orange Shirt Day apparel, our entire collection of Native Northwest products celebrates the beauty and diversity of Indigenous art styles:
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Hardcover Journals: Thoughtfully bound journals featuring striking artwork, such as The Light Keeper by Adam Lewis or Octopus (Nuu) by Ernest Swanson.
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Ceramic & Porcelain Mugs: Start your morning with vibrant designs like the Matriarch Bear by Morgan Asoyuf or the Horse (Bebezhigooganzhii) design by Storm Angeconeb.
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Kitchen Textiles & Accessories: Bring meaningful art into your living spaces with silicone oven mitts, printed tea towels like All My Relatives, zipper card wallets, and handy pouches.
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Puzzles & Games: Engage in cultural storytelling with items like the 1000-Piece Hummingbirds Jigsaw Puzzle, which includes statements of respect and artist background information.
Join Us in Learning and Remembering
Purchasing an orange shirt or supporting Indigenous artists is just one step on a broader path toward reconciliation. We encourage our community to spend time reading the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's 94 Calls to Action, supporting local Indigenous organizations, and engaging in open conversations with family and friends.
Explore our full Native Northwest Collection at Caribou Gifts to find meaningful gifts that give back every day of the year.
