In honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
On September 30, we encourage swimmers and Canadians across the country to wear orange to honour Residential School Survivors and remember the thousands of Indigenous children who experienced the harms of the residential school system.
The message “Every Child Matters” reminds us that every Indigenous child impacted by residential schools mattered and continues to matter. It honours their lives, identities, languages, cultures, and the ongoing importance of truth, healing, and reconciliation.
Inspired by Orange Shirt Day, the Orange Cap Campaign was created to bring this message into the swimming community. Through specially designed orange silicone swim caps, swimmers are invited to participate in Truth and Reconciliation Day by wearing the orange cap and showing their support both in and out of the pool.
Since 2021, the Orange Cap Campaign has raised more than $24,000 to support Indigenous swimming programs. These funds are helping create new opportunities for Indigenous youth through a mentorship initiative focused on encouraging participation, growth, and success in competitive swimming.
Thank you to everyone who has supported this journey and helped us use swimming as a way to build connection, awareness, and positive change.
On September 30, we encourage swimmers and Canadians across the country to wear orange to honour Residential School Survivors and remember the thousands of Indigenous children who experienced the harms of the residential school system.
The message “Every Child Matters” reminds us that every Indigenous child impacted by residential schools mattered and continues to matter. It honours their lives, identities, languages, cultures, and the ongoing importance of truth, healing, and reconciliation.
Inspired by Orange Shirt Day, the Orange Cap Campaign was created to bring this message into the swimming community. Through specially designed orange silicone swim caps, swimmers are invited to participate in Truth and Reconciliation Day by wearing the orange cap and showing their support both in and out of the pool.
Since 2021, the Orange Cap Campaign has raised more than $24,000 to support Indigenous swimming programs. These funds are helping create new opportunities for Indigenous youth through a mentorship initiative focused on encouraging participation, growth, and success in competitive swimming.
Thank you to everyone who has supported this journey and helped us use swimming as a way to build connection, awareness, and positive change.
Candace created 7 Gens Bezaajig (“7 Gens Swimming”), a logo inspired by the Georgian Bay area, the First Nation communities connected to the region, and most importantly, the Parry Sound Aquatics swim team.
An Ojibway artist from Shawanaga, Nongose is a member of the Sturgeon Clan and a mother of three. Her creativity is rooted in a lifetime of experiences and a deep connection to art, expressed through woodworking, carving, handmade crafts, canvas painting, and sewing.
Beyond her artistic work, Nongose runs a DJ and event planning business and has designed logos for many community initiatives. Her passion, creativity, and connection to her community are reflected throughout her work.
With the support of graphic designer Shawn Samuels, Nongose brings 7 Gens Bezaajig to life—a design that honours generations, community, and the shared journey of swimming and reconciliation.
We are proud to share this meaningful artwork as part of the 2026 Orange Cap Campaign. Pre-orders open in August. Stay tuned for more details.
Candace created 7 Gens Bezaajig (“7 Gens Swimming”), a logo inspired by the Georgian Bay area, the First Nation communities connected to the region, and most importantly, the Parry Sound Aquatics swim team.
An Ojibway artist from Shawanaga, Nongose is a member of the Sturgeon Clan and a mother of three. Her creativity is rooted in a lifetime of experiences and a deep connection to art, expressed through woodworking, carving, handmade crafts, canvas painting, and sewing.
Beyond her artistic work, Nongose runs a DJ and event planning business and has designed logos for many community initiatives. Her passion, creativity, and connection to her community are reflected throughout her work.
With the support of graphic designer Shawn Samuels, Nongose brings 7 Gens Bezaajig to life—a design that honours generations, community, and the shared journey of swimming and reconciliation.
We are proud to share this meaningful artwork as part of the 2026 Orange Cap Campaign. Pre-orders open in August. Stay tuned for more details.
As we looked for new artwork to represent Truth & Reconciliation, we wanted a design created by an Indigenous artist that reflects Indigenous identity, the spirit of the Orange Cap Campaign, and the swimming community.
With that vision in mind, Candace Nongonse Pamajewon created 7 Gens Begzaajig—a powerful design that brings these elements together and honours the ongoing journey of truth, healing, and reconciliation.
Together, these elements create a meaningful symbol of culture, connection, and community.
As we looked for new artwork to represent Truth & Reconciliation, we wanted a design created by an Indigenous artist that reflects Indigenous identity, the spirit of the Orange Cap Campaign, and the swimming community.
With that vision in mind, Candace Nongonse Pamajewon created 7 Gens Begzaajig—a powerful design that brings these elements together and honours the ongoing journey of truth, healing, and reconciliation.
Together, these elements create a meaningful symbol of culture, connection, and community.
The colour orange originates from the story of Residential School Survivor Phyllis Webstad. When she was six years old, she arrived at St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School in Williams Lake, BC., wearing a new orange shirt that her grandmother had given her. Upon arriving, the shirt was stripped from her and never returned.
Today, orange represents the loss of culture, identity, freedom, and dignity experienced by Indigenous children who attended these residential schools. It serves as a powerful reminder that 'Every Child Matters' and symbolizes our collective commitment to truth, healing, and reconciliation.
Wear orange on September 30 to honour Survivors, remember the children who never came home, and stand in support of truth and reconciliation.
The colour orange originates from the story of Residential School Survivor Phyllis Webstad. When she was six years old, she arrived at St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School in Williams Lake, BC., wearing a new orange shirt that her grandmother had given her. Upon arriving, the shirt was stripped from her and never returned.
Today, orange represents the loss of culture, identity, freedom, and dignity experienced by Indigenous children who attended these residential schools. It serves as a powerful reminder that 'Every Child Matters' and symbolizes our collective commitment to truth, healing, and reconciliation.
Wear orange on September 30 to honour Survivors, remember the children who never came home, and stand in support of truth and reconciliation.
Alongside our traditional orange cap, the Orange Cap Committee has created a blue option that reflects the swimming community while keeping the spirit of the initiative front and centre through the orange design. The result is a bold, eye-catching look that we believe truly brings the artwork to life.
We hope this new option resonates with swimmers and helps raise funds for an important cause.
Every purchase supports Indigenous swimming programs, with 100% of proceeds going directly toward these initiatives.
Alongside our traditional orange cap, the Orange Cap Committee has created a blue option that reflects the swimming community while keeping the spirit of the initiative front and centre through the orange design. The result is a bold, eye-catching look that we believe truly brings the artwork to life.
We hope this new option resonates with swimmers and helps raise funds for an important cause.
Every purchase supports Indigenous swimming programs, with 100% of proceeds going directly toward these initiatives.
