09/30/2026
The meaning behind the visuals
The design honours the children who never returned home from residential schools, Survivors, their families and communities.
In the centre are three symbols: a feather, a narwhal, and a flower. Each symbol represents the distinct cultures of First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, brought together in a circular flowing composition to reflect the connection between the groups.
Above the central elements, stars surrounding the moon honour the children who never returned home from residential schools and symbolize their enduring place in our thoughts and memory. The dotted patterns evoke beadwork and reflect the importance of passing down art, culture and traditions from one generation to the next.
Flowing lines connect the elements of the design, reflecting the connections between land, water, communities and generations. Their winding path represents the journey of reconciliation and reminds us that reconciliation is an ongoing process.
The colour orange represents remembrance and the enduring message that every child matters.
