September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Also known as Orange Shirt Day, it recognizes and remembers the tragic history and honours the survivors of residential schools. These schools were underfunded and inflicted abuse on children leaving long-lasting impacts. It’s also an important day for all Canadians to learn more about Canada’s Indigenous history.
For newcomers, it’s a day to learn about the history of Canada’s residential schools and the wrongs committed against the Indigenous Peoples. By exposing the truth, we can move toward reconciling what Canada has long ignored.
Origin of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Since its founding in 2013, Orange Shirt Day has helped Canadians learn about past mistakes and remember the legacy of residential schools. More than that, it symbolizes how Canadians strive for a future where all Indigenous people have equal rights.
This valuable resource, Reconciliation Information for Newcomers to Canada provides the history of Canada’s residential school system and reconciliation information.
What is Orange Shirt Day?
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Orange Shirt Day recognizes the harm that residential schools caused to Indigenous children, families, and communities. The Day is based on the story of Phyllis Webstad. She was an Indigenous girl of 6 years when she was forced to go to a residential school.
Phyllis lived with her grandmother on Dog Creek Reserve and never had a lot of money. However, her grandmother still managed to save enough money to buy Phyllis a brand-new orange shirt to wear to school. Phyllis was excited to go to her residential school. But she did not know about the horrors that were awaiting her.
Once she reached the school, she was forced to remove her orange shirt and never saw it again. The orange shirt has come to symbolize how it was for Indigenous children to attend residential schools. Not only did these schools forcefully assimilate children but they also took away all meaning of life for them.
Orange Shirt Day is a way to fix the injustice done to the Indigenous peoples. It is also a stark reminder of the kind of place Canada would be without its accepting and inclusive environment. Canada is full of many great things but one of the greatest things Canadians have is a sense of unity, no matter what our backgrounds are. Let’s never forget that as we move into the future. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation allows Canadians to pause and reflect.
On September 30, people across Canada wear orange shirts to remember the children who were taken from their families to residential schools. Wearing orange also promotes the concept of “Every Child Matters” and honours the survivors of residential schools.
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Remains of Indigenous Children Found in Kamloops, B.C.
In May 2021, there was a shocking discovery in Kamloops, British Columbia where the buried remains of 215 Indigenous children were found near a residential school. Kamloops Residential School was one of the biggest residential schools in Canada.
More remains were found near other residential schools in Canada revealing a dark chapter of Canada’s history. So our job as Canadians is to honour the survivors of residential schools and recognize their losses. These discoveries urge all Canadians to learn from the past and avoid making the same mistakes.
Truth and Reconciliation Report
To redress the legacy of residential schools, Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission on Residential Schools recommended specific actions to reverse the injustice. And on June 3, 2021, the Canadian parliament passed Bill C-5 to designate September 30 as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
This day encourages Canadians to learn about the darker parts of Canada’s past rather than to hide from it. It’s a day to learn about key historical events. Only when every Canadian knows about the crimes committed against Indigenous peoples can we move forward as a nation.
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National Truth and Reconciliation Events in 2024
First Nations, Metis, and Inuit Leaders have organized many National Truth and Reconciliation events in 2024. These important events help all Canadians to acknowledge the harm done and better understand the history of Indigenous Peoples.
Reconciliation is an ongoing process that involves taking time to listen, learn, reflect, and support healing in communities.
Ottawa, Ontario
Illuminating Parliament Hill
To honour the survivors of residential schools, their families and communities buildings across Canada including the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill will be lit orange throughout the evening of September 30.
National Commemorative Gathering
A live broadcast, Remembering The Children: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2024 will be on APTN and partnering Canadian broadcasters. You can watch the broadcast online to memorialize children lost to the residential school system.
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR)
The CMHR has a permanent Indigenous Perspectives exhibit that explores the history and legacy of residential schools. CMHR will offer free admission on September 30 from 10 am to 5 pm.
Calgary, Alberta
University of Calgary and the Calgary Public Library
Special events will take place on September 29 and 30 to raise awareness about the impact and legacy of the Indian Residential School System. Orange Shirt Day events will take place at the University of Calgary and the Calgary Public Library.
Toronto, Ontario
To mark September 30, flags at City Hall and civic centres will fly at half-mast and the Toronto sign will be lit orange. The Survivors Flag will also fly at half-mast. This flag is a sign of remembrance to honour all the lives and communities affected by the residential school system in Canada. In addition, many truth and reconciliation community events will be open to the public across the city.
Vancouver, British Columbia
On September 30, the University of British Columbia will host the 2024 Intergenerational March to Commemorate Orange Shirt Day. This educational event will support the Indigenous community on campus and beyond. A series of afternoon educational events will allow younger participants to learn about a difficult era in Canadian history.
With events taking place all across Canada, be sure to check out what activities will take place in your local community.
Is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation a Statutory Holiday?
The Government of Canada declared September 30 a federal statutory holiday. So, people who work in federally regulated industries such as postal workers, government staff, and bank employees get the day off with pay. As well some schools will close. When September 30 falls on a weekend. federal workplaces observe the holiday on the following Monday.
Recognizing September 30th as a statutory holiday encourages people to reflect and engage in activities to honour those affected by the residential school system.
What Provinces Observe Truth and Reconciliation Day?
Only some provinces and territories observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a statutory holiday.
In 2023, the Province of British Columbia made September 30 a statutory holiday. This allows the people of British Columbia to attend local events to learn about and support the Indigenous community. Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and the three territories, Yukon, Nunavut, and Northwest Territories also recognize September 30 as a holiday.
Other provinces, like Ontario, September 30th as a day of commemoration and leave it up to individual employers to treat it as a holiday.
Whether you’re at work, school, or a community event, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a time to honour of honour the survivors and communities of residential schools. As we learn more about Indigenous cultures across Canada we strengthen our relationships. And, whether you wear an orange shirt on September 30 or take time to reflect on the past, you share your support for reconciliation!
My name is Zain Usmani and I am a freelance content writer who currently resides in Mississauga, Ontario. I immigrated from Pakistan to Canada 5 years ago and have lived in many cities ever since. I have lived in Calgary AB, Edmonton AB, Regina SK, London ON, and Mississauga ON, while visiting over 40 Canadian cities and towns. I have a great passion for writing and I love helping people through it.
