Acknowledging the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

As we approach the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we want to take a moment to acknowledge the significance of this day. It serves as a somber reminder of the painful history and lasting impact of residential schools in Canada as well as the systemic discrimination faced by Indigenous Peoples.

On this day, we remember the thousands of Indigenous children who were forcibly taken from their families, many of whom never returned home. It is a day for reflection, learning and most importantly, a commitment to a path of healing and meaningful reconciliation with Indigenous communities.

Let us honour the survivors, their families and those who never made it back, by making every effort to understand their stories and ensure such tragedies never happen again.

On September 30, we encourage all Canadians to wear orange to honour the thousands of survivors of residential schools and the children that never returned home. 

Read, listen or watch to learn about the unique history, languages, spiritual beliefs of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. 

• Wear orange on September 30 to honour the thousands of residential school Survivors and show that Every Child Matters. Learn more about Orange Shirt Day.
• Download the commemorative promotional resources and share how you’ll mark this day by using the hashtag #NDTR on social media.
• Learn more about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s work, including extensive research and 94 Calls to Action.

The residential school system is a topic that can bring up painful memories of past abuse, causing trauma.

A 24-hour support line at 1-866-925-4419 provides crisis referral services to Survivors and their families and explains how to access other health supports from the Government of Canada.

If you’re First Nations, Inuit and Métis and need immediate emotional support, you can contact the Hope for Wellness Help Line toll-free at 1-855-242-3310, or chat with them online at hopeforwellness.ca.