National Day for Truth & Reconciliation

Quick Facts

AKA Name	Orange Shirt Day
Hashtags	#MomaDay, #MothersDay
Related Hashtags
2023 Date	September 30, 2023
2024 Date	September 30, 2024

2023 Holidays & Dates

		Canadian & Common Holidays
		Misc. & Int'l. Observancesℹ
		Christian Holidays
		Jewish Holidays
		Muslim Holidays

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National Day for Truth & Reconciliation (Orange Shirt Day) in 2023

Saturday, Sep 30

Days to go:

National Day for Truth & Reconciliation History

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation day (Formerly Orange Shirt Day) seeks to raise awareness about the cruelty of Indian residential schools and the hardship indigenous students faced. Schools like St. Joseph Mission received funding from the Canadian government in 1883. They proved to be a horrible experience for indigenous families. This day aims to educate and inform Canadians about the tragedies that resulted from the implementation of these schools. It aims to reaffirm survivors that their lives and stories matter. This day serves as a step toward reconciliation.

This day was established in 2013 by Esk'etemc Chief Fred Robbins, a former student of the residential schools. It is observed annually on September 30th.

Top Tweets for National Day for Truth & Reconciliation

Updated 05:17

Orange Shirt Day should not be a called or turned into a “celebration”. It is our Remembrance Day. We honour and observe. This day represents many lost children and widespread intergenerational trauma. Its a time to learn and reflect. #EveryChildMatters https://t.co/O6MQTmA96H
— Robyn Michaud, M.Ed. (@GiwedinAnangKwe) September 29, 2022

When she shared her story of her orange shirt being taken away at residential school, Phyllis Webstad helped mobilize people across Canada. Today, we honoured her courage in sharing that story – and we recommitted to working, every day, to build a better future for everyone. https://t.co/AQVYrPTvCp
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) September 30, 2022

Today is Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day to remember and honour the Survivors and the children who never returned home from residential schools, as well as their families and communities. 1/5 https://t.co/OzFzmjeytg
— Canadian Armed Forces (@CanadianForces) September 30, 2022

National Day for Truth & Reconciliation Facts

Between 1891 and 1981 the federal government forced many indigenous children to attend schools away from their families. Many were abused and forbidden from practising their own culture.
It is estimated that at least 3,000 children died while attending the government and church run residential schools between 1891 and 1981.
Heritage Minister Steven Guilbeault proposed a bill in 2020 that would make Orange Shirt Day a national statutory holiday. It would change the name to National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.