National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, September 30

September 30, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was originally known as Orange Shirt Day, a day to remember and honor First Nations children who were taken from their homes through the Residential School system, as well as their families and communities. The day also honors the dignity, resilience and strength of survivors and intergenerational survivors, acknowledging the pain and suffering endured over the years.

This day was designated a federal holiday in Canada as a result of the Call To Action #80 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. The Call To Action states: “We call upon the federal government to establish as a statutory holiday a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honor survivors and their families and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.”

Download our Reflection for this day here