Healing through art: WSD alumna featured artist for the 2025 National Orange Shirt Day Campaign
September 2, 2025 News Story
Art has the power to connect people to culture, history, and healing, values that are central to the work of Brooklyn Rudolph-Nicholas, a Winnipeg School Division alumna and award-winning Indigenous artist. This year, Brooklyn was selected as the featured artist for the 2025 National Orange Shirt Day campaign, a collaboration between the Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council and Walmart Canada. Her design now appears in Walmart stores across the country.
Last year, Brooklyn came across an open call for Indigenous artists through Indigenous Proud, a Naut’sa mawt initiative supporting Indigenous-led cultural revitalization. Though unsure of the outcome, she submitted a hand-painted design. “I didn’t know if I’d be chosen, but I had hope,” she recalls. Months later, the 27-year-old artist learned her piece had been selected for the national campaign.
Brooklyn Rudolph-Nicholas and her family wearing t-shirts with her design for the 2025 National Orange Shirt Day Campaign.
Inspired by Education and Community
Brooklyn’s journey as an artist began in her formative years at Champlain Elementary and St. John’s High School, both schools in Winnipeg School Division’s central district. At Champlain, teachers Mrs. Cook and Mrs. Rhonda Johnson introduced her to Indigenous art, the Ojibwe language, and star blanket-making, experiences she still treasures.
Her time at St. John’s was equally inspiring. Diagnosed in adulthood with ADHD and autism, Brooklyn reflects on the unspoken support she received. “I’m forever grateful to the staff who unknowingly supported a student with differences,” she says.
She especially honours the late Mrs. Marie Zorniak, who recognized her talent early on. “One day, she told us to research Indigenous art as we’d be creating our own paintings. That day changed my life,” Brooklyn recalls. Zorniak’s encouragement led the emerging artist to her first public art event at 17 years old. She later nominated Brooklyn for the Manitoba Indigenous Youth Achievement Awards (MIYAA), where Brooklyn received her first award for art.
“I didn’t come from a family with many opportunities,” Brooklyn says. “But my time at St. John’s created them for me.” Today, she’s a nationally recognized artist committed to giving back.
“Anything is possible when you’re surrounded by people who believe in you.”
A Design Rooted in Love and Resilience
Her design represents children affected by the Residential School system.
Brooklyn’s winning design is deeply personal as the granddaughter of two Residential School survivors. At the center of her design, there are two children holding hands as a symbol of connection, unity, and resilience. These children represent her grandparents and the thousands of others affected by the Residential School system.
Above them, a flying eagle represents love, one of the Seven Sacred Teachings shared by many Indigenous communities across Turtle Island. In the night sky, the North Star, called Keewatin in Cree, shines brightly. It is also known as the Going Home Star, symbolizing guidance for the children finding their way back home.
As an Indigenous artist, she says the opportunity to showcase her art this during the month leading up to Truth and Reconciliation Day (September 30) allows her to share the truth. It also gives her, her family, and all those impacted by Residential Schools the visibility needed for healing.
Supporting the Campaign
The official 2025 Orange Shirt Day t-shirt featuring Brooklyn’s design is available online and in Walmart stores across Canada. All profits go to the Orange Shirt Society and the Indian Residential School Survivors Society. For large orders, online purchases are recommended. Walmart Canada will share campaign results, including funds raised, after the campaign concludes.
100% of the profits will be donated to Orange Shirt Society & Indian Residential School Survivors Society
Brooklyn’s story shows the impact education, culture, and community support, has beyond the classrooms. Winnipeg School Division is proud to be part of her journey and remains deeply committed to uplifting Indigenous voices. On this Orange Shirt Day, we invite our community to reflect, learn, and honour the stories that continue to guide the path toward healing.
