Observed each September 30th, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation invites Canadians to don orange shirts, attend remembrance walks and listen to the stories of Residential School survivors. It's a day of solemn reflection on our country's history and a collective recommitment to building respectful relationships with Indigenous peoples.
Origins & Significance
- Residential School legacy: From the 1870s to 1996, over 150,000 Indigenous children were forced into church-run schools where many suffered cultural erasure and abuse.
- Truth and Reconciliation Commission: Established in 2008, it gathered survivor testimonies and issued Calls to Action in 2015, leading to the creation of this federal holiday in 2021.
- National purpose: Acknowledges past harms, honours survivors and supports ongoing efforts toward healing and justice.
Orange Shirt Movement & Symbolism
Inspired by the story of Phyllis Webstad—who had her new orange shirt confiscated on her first day at a Residential School—orange shirts have become a powerful emblem:
- Every Child Matters: The slogan underscores that no child's identity or dignity should ever be stripped away.
- Widespread adoption: Schools, workplaces and governments encourage wearing orange to show solidarity.
- Artistic expressions: Orange shirt designs appear in murals, flags and digital artwork across the country.
Remembrance Walks & Ceremonies
- Community walks: Cities and towns host guided walks—often beginning at local bandshells or city halls—pausing at markers representing Residential School sites.
- Survivor panels: Public forums feature survivors sharing their experiences and answering questions from attendees.
- Moment of silence: Many gatherings observe a two-minute pause at 11 am, honouring those who never returned home.
Educational & Cultural Events
- School programs: Indigenous elders lead classroom sessions on traditions, languages and the impacts of colonization.
- Art exhibitions: Galleries showcase works by First Nations, Inuit and Métis artists exploring themes of resilience and reconciliation.
- Storytelling circles: Virtual and in-person gatherings share Indigenous oral histories, songs and drum circles.
How to Observe the Day
- Wear an orange shirt to honour survivors and signal your support for Every Child Matters.
- Attend local remembrance walks or panel discussions—many are open to all ages and free of charge.
- Learn by reading survivor memoirs or watching documentaries like We Were Children and Kairos Blanket Exercise presentations.
- Support Indigenous organizations working on language revival, cultural preservation and community wellness.