National Day for Truth & Reconciliation

National Day for Truth & Reconciliation History

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day, serves as a reminder of the painful historical legacy faced by Indigenous children in residential schools. The day is marked with thoughtful reflection on the collective responsibility to acknowledge and understand this dark chapter in Canadian history. It provides an opportunity for Canadians to come together in solidarity, joining Indigenous peoples in their ongoing journey of healing, and to reaffirm their commitment to truth, reconciliation, and a stronger relationship based on mutual respect and understanding.

The origins of Orange Shirt Day can be traced back to the story of Phyllis Webstad, a residential school survivor, who wore an orange shirt on her first day at St. Joseph Mission Residential School in 1973, only to have it taken away. The shirt, as it turned out, became symbolic of the loss of identity, culture, and language of Indigenous children in these residential schools. National Day for Truth and Reconciliation encourages Canadians to reflect on the devastating impact of these schools, the resilience of Indigenous communities, and the importance of human rights, compassion, and social justice in creating an inclusive society, where every individual is treated with dignity and respect.

On this day, people across Canada participate in various activities to raise awareness about the history of residential schools, to honor the survivors and their families, and to express their commitment to reconciliation. Some of the typical customs include wearing an orange shirt, participating in community events and discussions, and educating oneself on the truths about Canada's colonial past. National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is generally observed on September 30th, symbolically marking the time when Indigenous children were historically taken away from their families to attend residential schools.

Top 10 Facts for National Day for Truth & Reconciliation in 2026

• The 2026 educational program organized by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation features the theme Remembering the Children, inviting students and communities to memorialize those lost to the residential school system and honor survivors.
• Educational institutions and community groups across Canada coordinate dedicated 'Truth and Reconciliation Week' activities in the days leading up to the observance, providing opportunities for in-depth engagement with Indigenous history and the path toward reconciliation.
• The orange shirt serves as a powerful symbol of the loss of identity and culture experienced by Indigenous children in the residential school system, representing both the trauma of the past and a commitment to ongoing healing.
• The movement originated from the personal story of Phyllis Webstad, a residential school survivor who, at age six, had her favorite new orange shirt—a gift from her grandmother—taken away upon her arrival at the St. Joseph Mission Residential School.
• September 30 was historically chosen for this observance because it reflects the time of year when Indigenous children were traditionally taken from their families and communities to be transported to residential schools.
• The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was established as a federal statutory holiday to directly address Call to Action #80 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which urged the government to honor survivors, their families, and communities through public commemoration.
• Phyllis Webstad has chronicled her experiences and the meaning behind the movement in several notable works, including The Orange Shirt Story, Phyllis's Orange Shirt, With Our Orange Hearts, Every Child Matters, and Today is Orange Shirt Day.
• The residential school system, which operated for over a century, aimed to forcibly assimilate Indigenous peoples and suppress their languages and cultures, a process the Truth and Reconciliation Commission ultimately termed cultural genocide.
• Wearing an orange shirt is an act of solidarity and allyship that affirms the message that 'Every Child Matters,' ensuring that the history of residential schools remains a central and active part of the national conversation.
• Beyond federal employees, many provinces and territories have recognized the importance of this day by designating it a statutory holiday, allowing workers across much of the country to participate in local events and reflections.

In the News and Trending for National Day for Truth & Reconciliation

Top things to do for National Day for Truth & Reconciliation

• Donate to the Orange Shirt Society and help support indigenous communities.
• Check out upcoming Orange Day events.
• Watch the 2020 Orange Shirt Day presentation.
• Watch We Were Children (2012). This is a documentary that features chilling firsthand accounts of survivors of the Indian Residential School system in Canada.