09/30/2026
🧡 NATIONAL DAY FOR TRUTH & RECONCILIATION
Today, September 30, we pause to remember, learn, & reflect on an important part of Canada’s history.
The National Day for Truth & Reconciliation honours the children who were taken from their families & forced to attend residential schools, those who never returned home, & the Survivors, families, & communities who continue to live with the impacts.
For more than 150 years, residential schools operated across Canada. More than 150,000 First Nations, Inuit, & Métis children attended these schools, where they were separated from their families, languages, cultures, & communities.
🧡WHY IS THIS DAY SO IMPORTANT?
Because reconciliation cannot happen without truth.
The Truth & Reconciliation Commission listened to Survivors & documented the legacy of residential schools. Its 94 Calls to Action include Call to Action #80, which called for a National Day for Truth & Reconciliation.
September 30 also marks Orange Shirt Day, inspired by Survivor Phyllis Webstad, whose orange shirt was taken from her when she arrived at residential school. Her story helped inspire the message “Every Child Matters.”
Wearing orange is only one part of reconciliation. We can also listen to Indigenous voices, learn the history, support Indigenous communities, & take meaningful steps toward reconciliation.
🧡 WAYS TO LEARN & SUPPORT
Orange Shirt Society
An Indigenous-led, Survivor-founded organization working to educate Canadians about the legacy of residential schools & support truth & reconciliation.
Woodland Cultural Centre | Brantford
A local Indigenous cultural centre where you can learn about Indigenous history, culture, language & art. The Centre also oversees the former Mohawk Institute Residential School site.
Consider donating, visiting, attending an educational program, or simply taking the time to learn.
Reconciliation is not something that happens in one day.
Today, we remember the children who never came home, honour Survivors & their families, & recognize that Every Child Matters. 🧡
