On Monday, September 22, 2025, the TRU Students’ Union Equity Committee supported the premiere of Orange Shirt Story at the Kamloops Paramount Theatre. In the days leading up to the screening, the Committee tabled across campus on September 19 and 22, encouraging the TRU community to attend the event and engage in learning ahead of Orange Shirt Day on September 30.
The premiere of Orange Shirt Story was organized by the International Indigenous Speakers Bureau (IISB), an organization dedicated to amplifying Indigenous voices, knowledge, and experiences through storytelling and education. Their mission is to create opportunities that foster understanding and reconciliation across communities. The documentary provided an early opportunity for students and community members to reflect on the legacy of residential schools and the importance of honouring Survivors and their families.
Through this solidarity work, TRUSU engaged over 100 students and staff in conversation about the meaning of Orange Shirt Day and the importance of ongoing education before September 30. Following the premiere, the Committee shared the online viewing link so that more people could access the film and continue their learning journey. Visit the following link to Watch now.
“I had amazing conversations about why Orange Shirt Day matters and how powerful it was to have something like this before the day itself,” said Payton Maffioli, Indigenous Representative. “It reminded people that reconciliation is not just about showing up once a year; it’s about learning and engaging all year round.”
About the Equity Solidarity Work Program
The Equity Solidarity Work Program allows TRUSU to take consistent solidarity action in support of local, national, and international initiatives that advance equity and human rights. Through this work, we build connections with organizations leading this change and create opportunities for students to learn and participate in collective advocacy. For more information or to learn about previous initiatives we’ve supported, contact the Equity Coordinator below.