The Artists
2025 Orange Shirt Artist
Jackson F. Robertson
Protect Every Child
The Tradition of cultural Stories and Legends continue through the Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw powerful and dynamic art style as depicted in the t-shirt interpreted and inspired by Master Carver Jackson F. Robertson.
The supernatural and powerful double headed sea serpent called the SISIUTL is a highly esteemed ‘Crest’ originating from Canada’s Pacific Northwest Coast Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw culture and is meant to protect the home and ward off evil spirits. As interpreted the Sisiutl Crest is meant to protect Every Child.
DZUNUKWA aka Wild Woman in legend was a cannibal who sought to capture children in her basket until the villagers captured and burnt her; as the sparks flew they turned into mosquitoes and so to this day when a mosquito bites and draws blood it is a reminder of the Wild Woman.
The Residential School System and its impacts on children is represented by the abuse and evil intent of the Dzunukwa.
2025 Pink Shirt Artist
Kadence Lánahmats George
Nəc̄əmat (One Heart, One Mind)
Kadence Lánahmats George is a 13-year-old Indigenous artist from Səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) with a deep connection to her community and culture. Since the age of eight, Kadence has been working in her community garden, strengthening her love for the land and her dedication to sustainable practices. Her passion for the water began even earlier—she has been canoeing since she was seven, a skill she continues to enjoy today.
Kadence’s creative spirit is inspired by her rich cultural heritage. She finds joy in drumming and singing traditional songs, which connect her to her ancestors and her community. Her weekends are often spent at longhouses, where she participates in cultural events and plays soccer in local leagues and tournaments, proudly representing her nation. An aspiring archaeologist, Kadence enjoys exploring history alongside her uncle Roderick, who has been a major inspiration in her life.
Whether she’s creating art, participating in sports, or exploring new opportunities, Kadence embodies the resilience, creativity, and determination that are at the heart of her community.
2024 Orange Shirt Artist
Clayton Gauthier
Mother-Caretaker and Child
Walking this journey as an artist, Clayton has learned a lot about himself and the arts. His bloodline is Cree and Dakelh. The art he produces revolves around the teachings of the land, animals, water and sky. Clayton has learned many lessons and blessings from Elders and the Spirit within. Throughout this art journey he has completed many logos, murals, drums, rattles, carvings, tattoos, and digital art, and is also a published author. Artwork in this life gives Clayton a feeling of serenity that nothing can
replace.
Agenda & Red Dress Pin Artist
Bayja Morgan-Banke
Bayja Morgan-Banke, an artist from the Toquaht (Nuu-Chah-Nulth) and Secwépemc (Shuswap) nations, grew up in Tofino in a family where creativity was a way of life. Her grandmother painted and sang, while her father and grandfather were skilled carvers.
With an educational background in film and animation, Bayja now works as an illustrator at Indigenous Marketing Solutions. She's passionate about preserving indigenous languages and tells stories through her art, blending traditional techniques with animated styles. Each piece she creates honors her cultural heritage and connects the past with the present.
Bayja's art is both heartfelt and hopeful, celebrating indigenous traditions while imagining a future where these stories continue to thrive.
2024 Pink Shirt Artist
Brooke Gillam
Sacred Feather
"I am a part of the Oromocto First Nation Community in New Brunswick on the east coat of Turtle Island and recently reunited with the other side of my family who originates from Victoria, British Columbia on the west coast. I chose the feather design after getting to know my Grandfather from the Shell Beach community of Stz'uminus First Nation.
I chose a sacred feather because it symbolizes and represents a high honour, wisdom, power, and freedom. The three hearts inside represent kindness, friendship and love. When I tied the two together it felt right because my heart told me it felt like it was meant to be."
2023 Orange Shirt Artist
Aiden Duncan
One Story
Aiden is a Cree two-spirit artist from Manitoba who moved to the Yukon to work in conservation and to share Indigenous knowledge. Aiden incorporates Indigenous knowledge sharing and practices through art, dance, and storytelling. His spirit name is ka mâhmâsinasohkôhow, which means "spotted owl" in Cree.
“I call this piece One Story. It represents a reminder of each individual’s experience with residential schools. Sometimes I think people forget that residential schools are still impacting Indigenous youth today.
I suffer from a loss of culture due to my grandmother attending Indian day school. Her favourite animal was the hummingbird. This design represents her and every single person’s story as a reminder that every story is different and every child matters.”
2023 Pink Shirt Artist
Koyah Morgan-Banke
Uplift
"This piece is inspired by unconditional love and support, designed to encapsulate the feeling of support and your ability to “uplift” those around you. It’s important for all of us to remember that we really do carry the hearts of others in our hands."
2022 Orange Shirt Artist
Stacia Goodman
Mother Bear Energy
For such an intimidating predator with impressive teeth and claws, mother bears are one of the most loving and caring creatures to their children. They are also ferocious defenders of their cubs and are a force to be reckoned with. This immense inner strength reminds me of the untapped raw power in all our Indigenous women who act as warriors and healers.
"In my piece, I wanted to capture that beautiful spirit of a protective warrior and an uplifting healer full of love. Our inner warrior can show those teeth and claws, never backing down when it comes to fighting for what is just and right when it comes to our people. Our inner healer does the challenging work, practicing love and lateral kindness, choosing to be a toxic cycle breaker and uplifting those who surround us in our communities. I thought this duality of love and strength was such fitting energy to bring into a representation of an orange shirt day design."