National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was established in response to Call to Action #80 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC), which urged the federal government to create a national holiday to commemorate the history and legacy of residential schools. The TRC was formed as part of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, the largest class-action settlement in Canadian history, which sought to address the abuses suffered by Indigenous children forced to attend these schools. The holiday was officially declared in 2021 following the discovery of unmarked graves at former residential school sites, which galvanized public demand for action.

The date, September 30, was already known as Orange Shirt Day, a grassroots movement started in 2013 by former residential school survivor Phyllis Webstad. Webstad's story of having her new orange shirt taken away on her first day at a residential school inspired the wearing of orange to raise awareness. The federal government's recognition of this day as a statutory holiday for its employees and federally regulated workplaces aimed to advance reconciliation by ensuring all Canadians learn about this painful history.

Although the holiday is federal, many provinces and territories have also adopted it as a statutory or commemorative day. The establishment of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation marks a formal step in acknowledging the intergenerational trauma caused by the residential school system and committing to the ongoing process of healing and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

The most prominent tradition is wearing an orange shirt, often bearing the message 'Every Child Matters,' to symbolize the loss of cultural identity and the resilience of Indigenous children. Many people also attend community events such as sacred fires, feasts, and ceremonies led by Elders. Schools and workplaces often hold moments of silence, educational sessions, and displays of orange flags or banners. In some cities, public buildings are illuminated in orange light.

Traditional Indigenous foods, such as bannock (a type of fry bread), wild rice, and salmon, may be served at community gatherings. Some people choose to spend the day in quiet reflection, fasting, or visiting memorial sites like the National Residential School Memorial in Ottawa. There is also a growing movement to engage in land-based activities like walking in nature to honour the connection to the land that was forcibly severed for many survivors.

Many media outlets feature Indigenous storytelling, films, and documentaries. Non-Indigenous individuals are encouraged to educate themselves through reading TRC reports, supporting Indigenous-owned businesses, or making donations to reconciliation initiatives. The day is intended for reflection rather than celebration, and many people avoid festive activities as a sign of respect.

This holiday is observed to honor the approximately 150,000 Indigenous children who were forcibly removed from their families and placed in residential schools, where many suffered physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, and over 4,000 died. It serves as a public acknowledgment of the harms inflicted by the Canadian government and churches that operated these schools, and it underscores the importance of truth-telling as a foundation for reconciliation.

More broadly, the day calls Canadians to recognize the ongoing impacts of colonialism, such as systemic discrimination and loss of language and culture. It is a step toward healing relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples and committing to a shared future based on mutual respect and understanding. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is not just a day of remembrance but a catalyst for ongoing action to address the injustices faced by Indigenous communities.