Each year, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.
This federal statutory holiday was created through legislative amendments made by Parliament. The National Day of Truth and Reconciliation is a statutory holiday for federal government workers and federally regulated industries, but it is not a statutory holiday in Ontario. However, schools municipalities, libraries, and other public entities take the time to recognize this day as do others in the private sector as well as individuals.
Wear orange
Both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day take place today, September 30.
Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day intended to raise awareness of the individual, family and community inter-generational impacts of residential schools, and to promote the concept of “Every Child Matters”. The orange shirt is a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations.
On September 30 the Government of Canada encourages all Canadians to wear orange to honour the thousands of Survivors of residential schools.
Across the country, hundreds of local activities are taking place that commemorate the history and legacy of residential schools.
Download the commemorative promotional resources and share how you will mark this day by using the hashtag #NDTR on social media.
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