Some collaborations feel exciting. Some feel meaningful. And every once in a while, one feels like both.
At Easy Peasy Tees, we’ve always believed that big, meaningful conversations with kids can start in the simplest ways—through books, everyday questions, and yes, even the clothing they wear.
This year, we are deeply honored to share that our official Truth and Reconciliation Tee was created in collaboration with Canadian artist Meradith Jackson. The heart behind this project runs deeper than we could have ever imagined, and we are so excited to introduce you to the artist behind the design.
Because when you understand the story, the meaning becomes even more powerful.
Support the Movement: Click here to order your Truth and Reconciliation Tee now and help start important conversations with your little ones.
Meet Meradith Jackson
For Meradith, art has never simply been about creating beautiful things. It has always been about storytelling, connection, and belonging.
Growing up surrounded by creativity, art was naturally woven into her everyday life. Her family members made jewelry, carved, shared stories, and created together. Even as a child, Meradith wasn’t just watching from the sidelines—she was invited in.
“When watched by adults in my family, I got to participate alongside them,” she shares, remembering time spent creating beside an aunt making jewelry, and performing in a family dance group that traveled throughout British Columbia.
That deep sense of togetherness continues to shape her work today.
Foundations of Growth
Her artistic journey deepened as a teenager after moving to Williams Lake, where greater access to arts programming opened new doors. She gravitated toward workshops, explored different mediums, and found mentors who encouraged her growth.
One teacher in particular, Mrs. Wright, helped spark something important. When Meradith asked to learn oil painting, supplies weren’t available, so they started with acrylics, chalk pastels, and foundational techniques instead. Those early building blocks mattered.
“In high school, I started receiving awards and things to further my encouragement to continue my education.”
But perhaps even more powerful was the encouragement she received at home. Her father, who grew up in Prince Rupert as the youngest of eleven siblings, had fewer opportunities available to him. He wanted something different for his children.
“He’s always been very gung-ho about wanting me to go for it.”
That unwavering support led Meradith to university, where she pursued arts studies and continued exploring painting, printmaking, and visual storytelling. “I could belong in the art community and feel seen and heard through the processes.”
Art as Storytelling (and a Personal History)
Meradith’s work is deeply shaped by her Gitxsan heritage and the stories that connect family, culture, and identity. After moving away from Hazelton, she reflected on cultural connections she wished she could have continued more closely, like language learning and community immersion.
“Continuing my culture and carrying it through my art is important to me. Art is storytelling in a visual sense.”
That storytelling became especially meaningful throughout this project. Because for Meradith, creating artwork connected to Orange Shirt Day is deeply personal. Like many Indigenous families, her own carries lived experiences connected to residential schools.
Growing up, Meradith heard stories from her aunties and uncles about their experiences - stories that landed differently as she grew older and understood their weight more deeply. Yet, what she remembers most are stories of resilience, siblings protecting one another, and a family staying connected through incredibly difficult experiences.
She recalls one memory of her Auntie Barb, a small but fiercely determined child whose rebellious spirit carried through even in the hardest circumstances.
“My auntie Barb told me her feud with the nuns and teachers was ongoing,” she shares, laughing softly at the memory. “Her brothers backed her up.”
What stood out most wasn’t only the hardship. It was family. Strength. Togetherness. It was the beautiful ways people held onto one another.
Creating This Collection Together
For Meradith, this wasn’t a project she approached alone. When creating meaningful work - especially pieces rooted in culture and family history—she checks in with the people closest to her.
“This project, I’ve been talking to my family more about their stories as children. If I’m struggling with symbolism in my artwork, I ask them to review my sketches for feedback.”
That collaborative spirit is exactly what made this partnership feel so aligned with Easy Peasy Tees. Because at its core, this collection is about:
-
Connection and community
-
Starting open conversations
-
Helping children understand important stories in age-appropriate ways
When we asked what message she hoped families would feel through this collection, her answer came quickly: “Togetherness and community would be a great message that I’d like to bring to people. Spreading warmth and joy is what I like to say is the big picture.”
Watching Meradith light up while talking about her siblings and family made one thing incredibly clear: this work comes from a deeply personal place.
Why This Matters to Us
At Easy Peasy Tees, we know Orange Shirt Day can feel like a hard conversation for families to navigate.
-
How do you explain it to children?
-
How do you teach history in a way that feels meaningful but age-appropriate?
The truth is, kids don’t need perfect, clinical explanations. They just need opportunities to ask questions, to learn, and to connect. Sometimes, something as simple as a shirt can create that opening.
"Why are we wearing orange?" "What does Every Child Matters mean?"
And suddenly, the conversation begins. Not overwhelming. Not perfect. Just a gentle place to start.
A Launch We are So Proud to Share
We have poured so much care into this collection, and working alongside Meradith has been such an honor. Her artwork, storytelling, and commitment to connection are woven throughout every single piece. This design was created with deep meaning, immense care, and the hope that it helps your family begin important conversations—together.
As Meradith shared so beautifully:
“For the audiences I seek out for my artwork, I want them to feel seen and that their culture and upbringing is highlighted—things that make them feel closer to how they want their future to look.”
Our official Every Child Matters Tee is now available, and we truly cannot wait to share it with you.
🧡 Order your Truth and Reconciliation Tee today to secure yours for Orange Shirt Day.
Want to see more of Meradith's incredible work? You can follow her journey on Instagram to keep an eye on what she designs next!