The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a federal statutory holiday in Canada. It honors the survivors, families, and communities affected by Canada's residential school system, acknowledging the ongoing impact of these institutions and advancing the process of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.

Table of Contents

1. When is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation?
2. The History of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation?
3. What Do People Do on This Day?
4. More about Orange Shirt Day?

When is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation?

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is observed annually on September 30 in Canada. This date aligns with Orange Shirt Day, a grassroots movement that commemorates the survivors of residential schools and honors the children who never returned home.

The following is the list of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada.

The History of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation?

Between the 1880s and 1996, the Canadian government, in partnership with churches, operated residential schools aimed at assimilating Indigenous children. Over 150,000 Indigenous children were forcibly taken from their families, many suffering neglect, abuse, and cultural erasure. Thousands died, and many more were left with lifelong trauma.

Established in 2008, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) documented the history and ongoing impact of residential schools. Survivors shared their stories, resulting in the 94 Calls to Action, which included a recommendation for a statutory holiday to honor survivors and educate the public.

The discovery of unmarked graves at former residential school sites in 2021 brought national and international attention to the ongoing impacts of residential schools. This led to renewed calls for tangible action toward reconciliation.

On June 3, 2021, the Canadian Parliament passed Bill establishing September 30 as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day was declared a federal statutory holiday, beginning in 2021, to reflect, honor survivors, and educate Canadians about Indigenous history and culture.

What Do People Do on This Day?

On the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, people participate in activities to honor the survivors of residential schools, commemorate the children who never returned home, and promote understanding and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.

Wearing orange shirts is a widely recognized act of solidarity, inspired by Orange Shirt Day. The orange shirt represents the loss of culture, identity, and belonging experienced by Indigenous children. Canadians of all backgrounds wear orange to show their commitment to reconciliation and to honor residential school survivors.

Many communities host ceremonies featuring drumming, singing, and prayers led by Indigenous elders. In some areas, sacred fires are lit as part of healing and remembrance practices.

Schools, workplaces, and community centers organize sessions to educate people about the history of residential schools and their intergenerational impacts.

Families talk about reconciliation and the importance of understanding Canada's shared history. People visit residential school memorials, museums, and Indigenous cultural centers to learn more about the history of colonization. Observing moments of silence allows individuals to reflect on the legacy of residential schools and their impacts.

Indigenous artists, musicians, and dancers perform at public gatherings, showcasing their resilience and culture.

Many people donate to organizations supporting residential school survivors. Schools often organize age-appropriate activities, such as storytelling, art projects, and discussions, to teach children about Indigenous cultures and history.

More about Orange Shirt Day?

Orange Shirt Day is observed annually on September 30 in Canada to honor the survivors of residential schools, remember the children who never returned home, and raise awareness about the ongoing impacts of these institutions on Indigenous peoples.

The day was inspired by the experience of Phyllis Webstad, a residential school survivor from the First Nation. At the age of six, Phyllis was sent to a residential school. On her first day, her new orange shirt – a gift from her grandmother – was taken away and never returned. This act symbolized the stripping away of her identity, culture, and dignity.

Her story became a powerful symbol of the losses experienced by residential school children. Orange Shirt Day began in 2013 as a grassroots effort to promote healing, reconciliation, and education about the legacy of residential schools.

The date was chosen because it marked the time of year when Indigenous children were taken from their homes to attend residential schools.