In September 2026, a new Orange Shirt Day design was made available to SPS staff and students.

Local artists were invited to submit designs for a new SPS Orange Shirt this summer. The selected design is by Lyndon Linklater Jr., an Indigenous artist based in Saskatoon. The artwork illustrates the strength of Survivors, the wisdom of Elders, and the responsibility we all share in passing knowledge to future generations.

This design honours the Survivors of Residential Schools while celebrating the resilience, strength, and hope that continue to guide future generations. Every element within the circular design tells a story of healing, learning, connection, and reconciliation.

The Circle

The entire image is enclosed within a circle, representing the interconnectedness of all people, generations, and communities. The circle has no beginning and no end, symbolizing continuity, respect, and the ongoing journey of truth and reconciliation.

The Elder

At the heart of the design is an Elder walking with a cane. She represents the Residential School Survivors, Knowledge Keepers, and Elders whose strength, courage, and perseverance have helped preserve culture, language, and identity despite tremendous hardship. The cane symbolizes the challenges and obstacles endured throughout life, while her upright posture reflects resilience and dignity. Her presence acknowledges those who have carried difficult histories while continuing to guide future generations with wisdom and love.

The Seeds

The Elder is shown scattering seeds into the earth. These seeds represent teachings, truth, language, culture, and knowledge. While Residential Schools attempted to disrupt Indigenous ways of life, the seeds symbolize the knowledge that survived and continues to grow today. The act of planting seeds reflects reconciliation as a shared responsibility: what is planted today shapes the future for generations to come.

The Young Student

The young girl wearing a backpack represents Indigenous and non-Indigenous students who are learning from the truths of the past while helping build a more respectful future. Her backpack symbolizes education, opportunity, and growth. Standing beside the Elder, she reflects the importance of intergenerational learning and the transfer of wisdom from one generation to the next.

The Sun

The sun shines above the figures as a symbol of hope, healing, and new beginnings. It represents the light that emerges when truth is acknowledged and understanding is embraced. The sun reminds us that reconciliation is not only about remembering the past but also about creating a brighter future.

The Star Blanket Pattern

Geometric lines inspired by the Star Blanket pattern surround the scene. The Star Blanket is a symbol of honour, respect, achievement, protection, and love throughout many Indigenous communities. Within this design, the pattern recognizes the strength of Survivors and symbolizes the collective commitment to supporting students on their educational journeys.

The Sunflower

The sunflower turns toward the light symbolizing hope, resilience, and the pursuit of knowledge. It represents the ability of individuals and communities to continue growing despite adversity. Its presence reflects the courage shown by Residential School Survivors and their descendants as they continue moving toward healing and understanding.

The Tiger Lily

The tiger lily symbolizes strength, perseverance, and renewal. Growing alongside the sunflower, it represents the beauty and resilience that emerge from difficult experiences. Together, the flowers acknowledge both the hardships endured and the hope that continues to flourish.

The Prairie Landscape

The lined prairie ground reflects the lands upon which Saskatoon Public Schools operates and the deep relationship Indigenous Peoples have with the land. The prairie symbolizes roots, belonging, and the foundation upon which learning and community are built.

The Evergreen Trees

The two evergreen trees symbolize endurance and the survival of Indigenous knowledge through every season of history. Remaining green throughout the year, they represent the lasting strength of culture, language, and community. The pair of trees also reflects the relationship between generations—those who carried knowledge forward and those who will continue that journey in the future.