Orange Shirt Day 2025: Abbotsford Student’s Art Speaks to Reconciliation

The Abbotsford School District is proud to announce that Cash Calhoun, a Abbotsford Senior Secondary student whose family roots connect to the Heiltsuk and Nisga’a Nations on his father’s side and the Nuu-Chah-Nulth Nation on his mother’s side, is the winner of the 2025 Orange Shirt Art Contest. His artwork has appeared on this year’s District orange shirts, serving as both a reflection of personal identity and a powerful statement of Indigenous resilience, healing, and truth.

A Student Voice in Reconciliation

Cash is deeply engaged in his school community, working with Visionary Youth Peers for Equity and Revitalization (VYPER) and participating in extracurricular initiatives that promote literacy, equity, and student voice. His leadership and creativity embody the district’s commitment to student success and inclusive education.

“Being able to be Indigenous and be proud of it is such a big thing for me,” Cash shared. “Having my design on the orange shirt for this year at Abbotsford is such an honour. It definitely holds a very big part of my life”

The Meaning Behind the Design

Cash’s artwork brings together key Indigenous symbols of healing, resilience, and identity:

• Hummingbird – a doctoring bird that brings healing and endurance

• Raven – tied to his mother’s heritage, symbolizing truth and transformation

• Eagle – strength, honour, and bravery in First Nations communities

• Salmon – resilience, renewal, and the cycles of life

• Ancestor – a reminder that we are never alone

“In many Indigenous cultures, the hummingbird represents healing,” Cash explained. “It’s there to help the community and tell truth and reconciliation, which is what Orange Shirt Day is all about”

Inspiring Others

When asked what he hoped his artwork would mean for the community, Cash was clear: “For the community, it speaks in volumes… Being able to provide these opportunities for young Indigenous youth to share who they are and what their culture is to most of Abbotsford warms my heart. I want to be able to inspire people and bring hope towards Indigenous youth and even elders”.

He also shared advice for future student artists: “Pour your heart and soul into it. Whether it wins or not, it’s always going to be an amazing piece of art. You should be proud to say that you are Indigenous and that you are a part of our community”.

Living the District’s Commitments

Cash’s story demonstrates the heart of the District’s commitments to literacy, equity, and belonging. Through his art, his leadership, and his voice, he shows how students are empowered to succeed academically and as contributors to community and culture.

As the Abbotsford School District recognizes Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Cash’s design has served as a powerful reminder that here in our District, reconciliation is lived through education, creativity, and the voices of courageous students who share their perspectives and identities.