On Sept. 30 Canada Honours National Day for Truth and ...
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.
Wear orangeBoth the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day take place on 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, we encourage all Canadians to wear orange to honour the thousands of Survivors of residential schools.
Download our commemorative promotional resources and share how you will mark this day by using the hashtag #NDTR on social media.
Commemorating the National Day for Truth and ReconciliationAcross the country, you can find open to public local activities and gatherings organized to commemorate the history and legacy of residential schools.
Find an event near you by following hashtag #NDTR on social media.
Illuminating Parliament HillTo commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day and to honour the Survivors, their families, and communities, the Peace Tower and the Senate Building will be illuminated in orange throughout the evening of September 30.
Remembering The Children: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – National Commemorative GatheringAPTN and the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation present Remembering The Children: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a 90-minute commemorative gathering. The multilingual event will be broadcast live from Parliament Hill, starting at 3 pm (ET) on APTN and APTN Languages.
Truth and Reconciliation WeekThe National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation offers a free virtual educational program from September 23-27, 2024, to all schools across Canada. This is a transformative journey for students, educators, and the broader community to engage with the history and enduring spirit of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples. Programming is available in English, French and ASL. Registration is required.
Former residential school students can call 1-866-925-4419 for emotional crisis referral services and information on other health supports from the Government of Canada.
Indigenous peoples across Canada can also go to The Hope for Wellness Help Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for counselling and crisis intervention.
Call the toll-free Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat (Please use Google Chrome).
To learn moreThis National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, explore the rich and diverse cultures, voices, experiences and stories of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. Start your learning journey today.
