(Fort McMurray, AB - September 15th, 2025) Christina Gordon Public School is proud to announce that Grade 6 student Kira Doshi has been selected as the winner of the 2025 Christina Gordon Orange Shirt Day Design Competition. Kira’s thoughtful and symbolic design will be featured on this year’s Orange Shirt Day T-shirts, which will be worn by students, staff, and families to honor the legacy of residential schools and support Truth and Reconciliation in Canada.
This first-ever annual design competition at Christina Gordon invited students from all grade levels to create a black-and-white design that reflects the spirit of Orange Shirt Day, celebrates healing and hope, and emphasizes the message that "Every Child Matters." Kira’s winning design stood out for its deep symbolism and meaningful representation of Indigenous culture.
Kira explained the inspiration behind her artwork:
"This drawing is a symbolic tribute rooted in Indigenous culture, emphasizing the message 'Every Child Matters' - a phrase tied to the remembrance of children affected by residential schools. The turtle, central to many Indigenous creation stories, represents Turtle Island and embodies resilience, wisdom, and connection to the land. Surrounding elements like feathers, flowers, and footprints deepen the meaning. Feathers symbolize spiritual protection and honour, flowers reflect life and growth, and footprints evoke the journey of children - those lost and those surviving."
Vice-Principal Emilie Giroux praised the students’ efforts, saying, "The decision process was difficult for our judges because not only did we have many beautiful designs, but the students blew us away with the rationales for their artistic choices. They focused greatly on kindness, empathy, inclusion, and a deep understanding of the Residential Schools legacy. The staff at Christina Gordon work diligently to infuse reconciliation education into our curriculum, and that learning has been evident through this process. We are incredibly proud of our students!"
The 2025 Orange Shirt Day T-shirts featuring Kira’s design will be available for purchase by Christina Gordon families through the parent portal. The initiative has been a resounding success and is expected to become an annual tradition at the school.
Orange Shirt Day, observed annually on September 30th, is a day to remember and learn from the history of residential schools, honour survivors, and support the ongoing journey of reconciliation. Christina Gordon Public School is committed to fostering awareness, empathy, and hope through meaningful initiatives like this competition.
For additional information, contact:
Momin Syed
Communications Coordinator
Fort McMurray Public School Division
780-788-8009
communications@fmpsd.ab.ca
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