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Orange Shirt Day without borders: Bridging cultures and decolonizing perspectives

  • Meagan LaRiviere
  • , Tawny Lowe
  • , Shehnaaz Mohamed
  • , Sumayya Ansar*
  • , Tabarak Gulrez
  • , Andrianna Dawn Merced
  • , Hind Itani
  • , Rachel Casipit
  • *Corresponding author for this work
    • University of Calgary
    • American University of Armenia

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    Background: The University of Calgary in Qatar (UCQ) implemented Orange Shirt Day to promote nursing students' understanding about Canada's residential school system and its lasting impact. The aim of the initiative was to connect the history and traumatic legacy of the schools to students' development as ethical and culturally competent nurses. Innovation/or Major Points: A participatory, reflective pedagogical approach included collaboration in design of visual exhibits, open discussions, and reflective exercises. Using many domains of learning, students explored themes of justice, empathy and cultural awareness, relating them to their own diverse perspectives. Implications: Grounded in transcultural nursing theory, Orange Shirt Day illustrates how reflective learning cultivates critical consciousness, enhances global awareness, and supports ethical professional identity. Conclusions: The implementation of a Canadian commemorative day in UCQ, provides a model for integrating Orange Shirt Day into nursing programs worldwide. The Orange Shirt Day event impacted cultural competence and advocacy in nursing beyond expectations. (c) 2026 Organization for Associate Degree Nursing. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)e1314-e1319
    Number of pages6
    JournalTeaching and Learning in Nursing
    Volume21
    Issue number3
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Jul 2026

    Keywords

    • Cultural Competence
    • Decolonization
    • Nursing Education
    • Orange Shirt Day
    • Qatar
    • Residential Schools in Canada
    • Transcultural Nursing

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