September 30 is Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a statutory holiday created in 2021 by the Government of Canada as a direct response to the Truth and Reconciliation Call to Action #80:

We call upon the federal government, in collaboration with Aboriginal peoples, to establish, as a statutory holiday, a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honour Survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a time to remember and reflect on the harm that was done to Indigenous people and the children who were sent to residential schools in Canada, and to commit to the ongoing process of reconciliation.

Orange Shirt Day

Orange Shirt Day is a legacy of the St. Joseph Mission residential school commemoration event that was inspired by Phyllis Webstad's story of having her new orange shirt taken away on her first day of school at the Mission. Since then, this day has become an opportunity to continue the discussion on all aspects of residential schools annually.

How You Can Take Action

Wear Orange on September 30

Wearing an orange shirt or other orange attire is a respectful way to honour the children, families, communities, survivors, and intergenerational survivors of Canada’s residential schools, as well as the Indigenous children that did not survive. Show your support with a donation to the Orange Shirt Society or other Indigenous organizations in your community.

Educate Yourself

Learn about and create awareness of the intergenerational individual, family and community impact that residential schools have had on Indigenous people across Canada.

Educate yourself by seeking out resources to start you on your own path to reconciliation. There are opportunities to attend virtual or in-person community events in your area.

Resources

Need Support?

If you need more support or information, these services are here to help:

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