Laurier student Arrianna Carello’s orange shirt returns for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Sept. 22, 2026

A student-designed orange shirt created to honour Indigenous communities and encourage reflection on reconciliation is returning to Wilfrid Laurier University’s Hawk Shop this fall. 

Designed in 2025 by Arrianna Carello, a fourth-year Psychology student and member of Henvey Inlet First Nation, the shirt will be available again this year, with proceeds from sales supporting the Woodland Cultural Centre’s Indigenous Preservation Museum. 

The shirt will be especially visible on Sept. 30, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, an important day of reflection on reconciliation and decolonization for the Laurier community. 

Wearing an “Every Child Matters” orange shirt is a symbolic gesture to acknowledge Canada’s past and commemorate those harmed by the residential school system.  

“I am honoured to have my design used again this year for Laurier’s orange shirt,” says Carello. “I designed this shirt to represent the community I found at Laurier, because it has truly been the most rewarding part of my time here.” 

Carello’s shirt depicts a circle of braided sweetgrass, representative of the Indigenous sovereignty garden on Laurier’s Northdale campus, and two hands reaching out toward each other, which represent Indigenous and non-Indigenous relations. In the background is the Grand River, which flows through Waterloo, Brantford and Six Nations. The shirt also features Ojibwe floral designs, referencing Carello’s home community.  

“This shirt reminds us that learning goes far beyond the four walls of our classrooms,” says Carello. “Learning exists in the land, in our people and in our history.” 

Carello’s shirt is available for purchase at the Hawk Shop.  

Learn about Laurier’s commitment to Indigeneity. Read the university’s Indigenous Strategic Plan.