In honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, the Ontario Principals’ Council reaffirms our commitment to learn more, do more and engage more with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. We invite Members to purchase an OPC Every Child Matters shirt in commemoration of Orange Shirt Day. The artwork was commissioned by the OPC and designed in collaboration with Philip Cote, Moose Deer Point First Nation.

The OPC Every Child Matters artwork is intended for orange shirts only. Every Child Matters™ is a trademark of Orange Shirt Society. Used under license.

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Philip Cote

Philip Cote, MFA is a Sundancer, Pipe Carrier and Sweat Ceremony leader recognized by Elder Vern Harper, Buffalo Chief – Floyd Looks for Buffalo Hand. Cote received his Indigenous name Noodjmowin (The Healer) in 1979 from Joe Couture and was made a member of the Falseface Society at the Seneca longhouse in 1992. He has painted murals and led workshops for students in the TDSB and PDSB.

Artist statement

The Eighth Fire, also known to Elders as the Time of the Spirit, is the present moment in time we are in. The white bear and all other white animals that have been seen in recent years are a reminder that the Eighth Fire is coming. The children are the ones that came to be part of this Eighth Fire in an effort to change the direction of humanity for future generations. The fish and birds are a symbol of prosperity, good health and a long life. This new time is about using intuition and other senses to find a new way to the future.