National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30 - City of ...

On this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we take time to remember, commemorate and reflect on a sad chapter in our history. We need to continue to listen, learn and understand the stories and experiences of Indigenous communities. We invite all citizens of the City of Westmount to wear an orange garment or accessory today to raise awareness on the tragic legacy of residential schools and to honour the thousands of survivors and their families. This is an essential part of the reconciliation process.

Demand real action

In June 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada made public its 94 calls to action and recommendations to further reconciliation between Canadians and Indigenous Peoples. These aim to address the shortcomings of the current systems and policies in place, and to create and foster new relationships. As of May 1, 2024, 46 actions are either underway or complete. Highlighting the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is but one way to demonstrate our commitment as Canadians to continue to push for accountability and concrete action.

Wear orange

September 30 is also Orange Shirt Day, an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day that honours the children who survived Residential Schools and remembers those who did not. This day relates to the experience of Phyllis Webstad, a Northern Secwpemc (Shuswap) from the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation, on her first day of school, where she arrived dressed in a new orange shirt, which was taken from her. It is now a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations.

Visit NCTR.ca, orangeshirtday.org and canada.ca to learn more.