Orange Shirt Day and
National Day for Truth
and Reconciliation
National Day for Truth
and Reconciliation
We recognize the tragic history of residential schools. We honour the survivors and lost children, their families and communities. Every Child Matters.
Aritzia acknowledges that our primary Canadian operations take place on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the Coast Salish Nations — xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlil̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh).
Saimaiyu Akesuk
× Aritzia To commemorate Orange Shirt Day, we partnered with the Iqaluit-born artist to design a limited-edition Orange T-shirt. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Orange Shirt Society and other Indigenous community partners.
× Aritzia To commemorate Orange Shirt Day, we partnered with the Iqaluit-born artist to design a limited-edition Orange T-shirt. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Orange Shirt Society and other Indigenous community partners.
Saimaiyu working on a drawing in the Kenojuak Cultural Centre.
Saimaiyu Akesuk
Born in Iqaluit and residing in Kinngait, Saimaiyu is
an artist whose roots run deep in the culture and
landscape of Nunavut.
Inspired by her late grandfather and fellow artist
Latchaulassie Akesuk, she began drawing as a
means of self-expression.
Saimaiyu working on a drawing in the Kenojuak Cultural Centre.
“My art is kind of abstract, it’s mostly shapes.
When I start something new, I think: what is this
going to be, what does it want to be? I let the
paper talk to me.”
With a particular interest in Arctic animals and insects, Saimaiyu reimagines these creatures, rendering the natural world with bold, vibrant simplicity — and often, a touch of whimsy.
A collage of Saimaiyu's childhood photos and pieces of her artwork.
Her orange shirt features a bird with outstretched wings — a design that came to her while thinking of all the ancestors and children lost over the years. “I am connected to them,” Saimaiyu reflects.
She hopes her artwork can help raise awareness about truth and reconciliation while standing as a symbol of hope and resilience.
Saimaiyu at Aupaluktuq Park.
“It is important for allies to learn about what happened. But it’s even more important to learn about the culture that residential schools tried to silence.”
Saimaiyu at Aupaluktuq Park.
For Saimaiyu, projects like this fuel her passion to create even more art that honours and preserves Indigenous culture and traditions.
Another source of joy and purpose? Her grandson — “he makes my world a better place.”
A collage of Saimaiyu's family photos and pieces of her artwork.
Our Commitment to
A Better Everyday.
Together.™
A Better Everyday.
Together.™
As we reflect on the meaning of Orange Shirt Day and Every Child Matters, we're also looking ahead to celebrate Indigenous futurity, entrepreneurialism and creativity.
Learning Journey
We work with Indigenous leaders and facilitators to continue supporting our People’s learning journeys and informed allyship.
Partnerships
We support Indigenous peoples and communities across Canada with a focus on opportunity, wellbeing and belonging. We’re proud to be in partnership with Urban Native Youth Association, Pow Wow Pitch and Orange Shirt Society.
Internships
We have dedicated spots in our annual internship program for newly graduated Indigenous students. The program provides coaching and mentorship from world-class leaders who share meaningful business experience and support growth potential.