Innisfail Middle School student wins national Orange Shirt Day design competition

Innisfail Middle School student, Sloane C., has created the winning design in the national Every Child Matters t-shirt logo contest for 2025, hosted by the Orange Shirt Society. Her design will be printed on t-shirts that will be distributed by the society.

“My librarian at school handed out the information about the contest and I thought it would be fun to do,” says Sloane. “I didn’t think I was going to win because this competition is across Canada and that’s a lot of people.” 

“I was at home when I found out. My Mom said I should come listen to a message on our answering machine. They were congratulating me for winning, and I was really happy.” 

Sloane said she worked on the design at home. She incorporated multiple elements.

“I put a tree with heart shaped branches, twisted around the words ‘Every Child Matters’. The heart shape says to children that they are all loved. The tree is to help them feel rooted to the earth and rooted in knowing they are important,” she says.

“There are two children  - a boy and a girl - who have no expression on their faces because they can represent any child,” says Sloane.

When asked what she thinks about many people wearing her design Sloane says, “It’s pretty cool, but also it isn’t about me. It should be about ‘Every Child Matters.’ I feel good that I did something that will help. Donations from the t-shirts will go to help kids in need. That makes me happy.”

“Orange shirt day is important,” says Sloane. “It's important to think about how what we did in the past wasn’t okay and then move on, learn, and make a better future.” 

“We are proud that one of our students created the design,” says Scott Stefanek, Principal of Innisfail Middle School. “Even more, we are proud of Sloane’s commitment to reconciliation, and her kind act that speaks volumes about her character.” 

Stefanek says, “Our school strives to engage authentically about reconciliation. That involves educating our students about the historical events which have shaped Canada’s relationship with Indigenous peoples, and also the contemporary reality of moving forward together.” 

Sloane will receive $200. Also she will go to Manitoba on Orange shirt day in September, and have the opportunity to have an in person visit with Phyllis Webstad, whose story inspired Orange Shirt day. 

“I am excited and nervous to meet her,” says Sloane. “She is famous which makes me nervous, but she is also awesome. I think it is an amazing opportunity.” 

More information about how to order t-shirts can be found here: https://orangeshirtday.org/merchandise/