Giant Tiger Stores Ltd. is marking the fifth year of its partnership with Indspire with the launch of a new orange shirt campaign that has raised more than $1.8 million to date for Indigenous education.
The Ottawa-based retailer said Wednesday that 100 per cent of profits from sales of this year’s shirt will be donated to Indspire to support the new Giant Tiger Learning from the Past Bursary. The bursary will assist Indigenous post-secondary students pursuing studies in Indigenous Studies and Languages.
The shirt is available at select Giant Tiger stores and online, with a new design by Anishinaabe artist and visual storyteller Emily Kewageshig of Saugeen First Nation No. 29.
Kewageshig’s design draws on Anishinaabe teachings and explores the interconnectedness of living beings, with themes of balance, renewal and the cycles of life.
“I’ve been highlighting Truth and Reconciliation Day and Orange Shirt Day for a long time, personally through social media and through my art,” said Kewageshig. “It’s really special to now be able to share that message on a bigger stage, with two organizations that are helping amplify it and doing everything they can to contribute to the cause.”
The campaign is tied to National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and continues Giant Tiger’s fundraising relationship with Indspire, a national Indigenous charity that supports education for First Nations, Inuit and Métis people.
Indspire president and chief executive Jocelyn Formsma said the continued partnership will help provide financial support for students pursuing post-secondary education focused on Indigenous languages and cultures.
“Reconciliation requires sustained action, and partnerships like this show what is possible when we invest in Indigenous learners together,” said Formsma. “We are grateful for Giant Tiger’s five years of support for the Orange Shirt Day Campaign. Through Giant Tiger’s ongoing commitment, the Learning from the Past Bursary will support more First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students to pursue post-secondary studies in Indigenous languages and cultures. We are proud to recognize Giant Tiger and its customers for helping create these opportunities.”
The retailer said proceeds from the shirts have supported the Learning from the Past Fund, which provides bursaries to Indigenous post-secondary students pursuing studies in Indigenous languages and culture.
Giant Tiger said the $1.8-million fundraising total represents money raised through sales of the shirts during the partnership.
“We’re proud to continue our longstanding partnership with Indspire, a charity that shares our commitment to creating stronger communities,” said Alison Scarlett, Head of PR, Communications and Corporate Responsibility, Giant Tiger Stores Limited. “Reaching more than $1.8 million raised through this campaign is an incredible milestone and a testament to what’s possible when organizations come together around a shared purpose. Every shirt sold helps create greater access to education for Indigenous students while encouraging important conversations about truth and reconciliation.”
The retailer has more than 260 locations across Canada and employs more than 10,000 people. Its stores are locally owned or operated by a team member.
Indspire said its broader mandate is to invest in the education of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people through financial assistance, programs and resources.
Kewageshig’s work uses vivid colours and bold graphic lines and is rooted in themes of interconnectedness, balance, renewal and the cycles of life.
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