National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - Sept. 29

Since September 30 falls on a weekend, on September 29, 2023 students are encouraged to wear Orange to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. If you are interested in purchasing Orange Shirts, we encourage you to support an Indigenous artist or organization. Here are some organizations to consider: 

• Native Arts Society - In Support of Toronto Indigenous Harm Reduction 

• Isaac Murdoch - in support of Nimkii Aazhibikong 

• Finding Our Power Together - in support of suicide prevention programming for Indigenous youth 

• Orange Shirt Society - in support of awareness activities 

• Woodland Cultural Centre - in support of the Save the Evidence initiative

The following resources can support learning more about the legacy of residential schools: 

• The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation - Residential School History

• Truth and Reconciliation Commission - 94 Calls to Action

• National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation - “Truth and Reconciliation Week”

• Facing History - Orange Shirt Day

• Monique Gray Smith - “Talking to Kids about Residential Schools” (Video)

First launched in 2013 in Williams Lake, Orange Shirt Day commemorates the history and the legacy of Residential Schools, and the strength and fortitude of Residential School Survivors and their descendants. The day was officially recognized by the federal government when Bill C-5 received royal assent by the Canadian Parliament on June 3, 2021. This national day ensures the opportunity to recognize and remember the harmful impact that the legacy of colonialism has on Indigenous culture and sovereignty through the Residential School System, which more than 150,000 First Nations, Métis and Inuit children were forced to attend between the 1870s and 1997.