National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Reflecting on Our History

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, observed annually on September 30th, serves as a solemn reminder of Canada’s painful history and ongoing legacy of residential schools. It is a day for Canadians to come together in reflection, learning, and the collective effort to understand the deep-rooted trauma inflicted upon Indigenous communities.

The History Behind the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

The creation of this national day stems from the efforts of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), which was established in 2008 as part of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement. Over the course of six years, the commission gathered testimonies from more than 6,750 survivors of residential schools, shedding light on the systemic abuse, neglect, and cultural eradication that took place in these institutions.

From the late 1800s until the last school closed in 1996, more than 150,000 First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children were forcibly removed from their homes and sent to residential schools. These schools, often run by Christian churches, sought to assimilate Indigenous children into Euro-Canadian society by stripping them of their languages, cultures, and identities. Many children faced physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, while others never returned home, their deaths going unreported for decades.

Key Dates in the Path to Reconciliation

• 1996: The last federally-run residential school, Gordon Indian Residential School in Saskatchewan, closes its doors, marking the end of over a century of residential schools in Canada.
• 2008: Prime Minister Stephen Harper delivers a formal apology on behalf of the Government of Canada to the survivors of the residential school system. This marked a pivotal moment in acknowledging the wrongs committed against Indigenous peoples.
• 2015: The TRC releases its final report, including 94 Calls to Action that lay out a framework for reconciliation between Indigenous peoples and the Canadian government.
• 2017: The Canadian government designates September 30th as Orange Shirt Day, a day to remember the experiences of residential school survivors, inspired by Phyllis Webstad’s story of having her new orange shirt taken away on her first day at a residential school.
• 2021: September 30th is officially recognized as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a federal statutory holiday dedicated to honoring the victims and survivors of the residential school system and raising awareness of the ongoing need for healing and reconciliation.

A Time for Reflection and Education

On this day, Canadians are encouraged to wear orange as a sign of solidarity with Indigenous communities. Orange Shirt Day commemorates the experience of Phyllis Webstad, a survivor who shared her story of having her bright orange shirt taken away on her first day at a residential school. This small yet powerful symbol represents the children whose voices were silenced and the identities that were erased.

Educational initiatives, ceremonies, and memorials take place across the country to foster understanding and acknowledge the truth about residential schools. It is a day to listen to survivors’ stories, reflect on the injustices of the past, and commit to creating a more inclusive and respectful future for all.

A Collective Responsibility

While this national day is an important step toward healing, reconciliation requires ongoing effort. The TRC’s 94 Calls to Action are a roadmap to address the historical and contemporary injustices faced by Indigenous peoples. Each Canadian has a role in this process, whether through educating themselves on the history of residential schools, supporting Indigenous-led initiatives, or advocating for systemic change in areas such as education, healthcare, and law.

In Memoriam and Apology

As we reflect on this day, it is vital to express our deepest sorrow for the atrocities that occurred within the residential school system. Thousands of children were taken from their homes, and too many never returned. These children were deprived of their culture, their families, and, tragically, their lives. The weight of these injustices is heavy, and the intergenerational trauma still reverberates through Indigenous communities today.

To the survivors and the families of those who did not return, we say: We are sorry. Sorry for the pain and suffering that was inflicted, for the loss of language, culture, and identity, and for the lives that were irrevocably changed. While no words can fully heal the wounds, we commit to listening, learning, and doing better.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation serves as a reminder that the journey toward reconciliation is far from over. As we look to the future, let us carry the stories of the survivors in our hearts and strive to build a nation that honors and uplifts Indigenous peoples in their full dignity and strength.

Every Child Matters.

For more information please visit www.canada.ca