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Written By
Corinna Frattini
Aug 14, 2026
•Life in Canada
September 30 is Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day. For newcomers, this day is a meaningful opportunity to learn about Indigenous history and honour First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.
Fast Fact: Between the 1870s and 1990s, the Canadian government and churches took more than 150,000 Indigenous children (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) from their families and placed them in residential schools across Canada.
Orange Shirt Day began in 2013 as a grassroots movement inspired by Phyllis Webstad, a residential school survivor from the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation in British Columbia.
At six years old, Phyllis arrived at the Saint Joseph Mission Residential School wearing a brand-new orange shirt that her grandmother bought for her. Upon arrival, the shirt was forcibly taken from her, and she never saw it again. The experience came to symbolize the loss of identity, culture, and dignity inflicted upon Indigenous children by the residential school system.
Today, the phrase “Every Child Matters” reminds Canadians that all children deserve safety, love, and respect.
Hear directly from residential school survivor Phyllis Webstad as she shares her story about the new orange shirt her grandmother gave to her, and why September 30 is a day to honour survivors.
In 2015, Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) published 94 recommendations, or Calls to Action, to address the harm caused by residential schools. Call to Action #80 asked for a national day of remembrance. In response, the Canadian government made September 30 an official federal public holiday in 2021.
In 2026, September 30 falls on a Wednesday. Whether you get a paid day off depends on your province’s labour laws or industry. To see how September 30 compares to other national breaks, check out our guide to statutory holidays in Canada.
| Jurisdiction/Province | Statutory Holiday Status | Notes for Workers & Residents |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Government & Federally Regulated Workplaces | Yes | Applies nationwide to banks, airlines, telecommunications, and federal offices. |
| British Columbia, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick | Yes | Paid provincial statutory holiday. Schools and public workplaces are closed. |
| Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut | Yes | Territorial statutory holiday across all three territories. |
| Alberta | Optional | Employer choice; not mandatory under general employment standards. |
| Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland & Labrador | Commemorative Day | Not a general provincial statutory holiday for private-sector workers. Schools remain open and run educational activities. |
Working toward reconciliation is something we should do year-round, but September 30 offers a special chance to learn together. Here are simple, respectful ways you can take part:
Produced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), this short video features Indigenous leaders welcoming newcomers to Canada. It explains why learning about Truth and Reconciliation is an important part of becoming a neighbour on this land.
Every year on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, cities and communities across the country host public gatherings, educational workshops, and memorial ceremonies. Here is a look at how some major Canadian cities observe the day:
Tip for Newcomers: Event details and schedules change every year. Check your municipal city website, local library, or university events calendar in September to find gatherings happening near you.
September 30 is a time to listen, learn, and remember. For newcomers and long-time Canadians alike, acknowledging this day is a step toward understanding, healing, and unity.
Orange Shirt Day was started by Indigenous communities in 2013 to teach people about residential schools. In 2021, the Canadian government officially recognized September 30 as a federal holiday called the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Today, both take place on September 30 to honour survivors and remember the children who died.
It depends on where you live. Places like British Columbia, Manitoba, and Prince Edward Island observe September 30 as an official holiday and close their schools. In places where it isn’t an official holiday (like Ontario), schools stay open, but students spend the day learning about Indigenous history through special lessons and events.
Yes! Indigenous leaders and communities invite everyone in Canada to participate in the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation events and activities. If you are new to the country, learning about First Nations, Inuit, and Métis history is a great way to show respect and better understand your new home.
You can start by reviewing resources from the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR), visiting local Indigenous cultural centres, or reading Reconciliation Information for Newcomers to Canada.
Beyond understanding Canadian culture, navigating the housing market is one of the biggest steps for new arrivals. Check out our free Rental Application Guide and Rental Viewing Checklist to help you find and secure your new home with confidence.
WRITTEN BY
Corinna Frattini
Senior Editor and Content Writer, Prepare for Canada
Corinna researches and writes content to help newcomers make informed decisions about housing, employment, banking, and aspects of settling in Canada. With a background in human resources and leadership development, her articles focus on how newcomers can continue their careers in Canada. Her writing combines research, practical guidance, and clear language to support newcomers on their journey.
© Prepare for Canada 2026
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