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By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - September 30, 2024

On September 30, both Canada and the United States mark a significant day dedicated to honoring the survivors of residential schools and the children who never returned. The day is known as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and coincides with Orange Shirt Day. The date was specifically chosen because it falls during the time of year when many Indigenous children were taken from their homes and placed in residential schools, according to the Orange Shirt Society. Learn more about the history of Orange Shirt Day here.

In Canada, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a national holiday, while in the US, it is observed through various events and ceremonies. The goal is to raise awareness of the historical trauma inflicted upon Indigenous peoples and foster a commitment to reconciliation. The day became a Canadian federal holiday in 2021 "in order to enact Call to Action #80 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada." 

A common symbol of the day is the orange shirt, which originated from the story of Phyllis Webstad, a First Nations girl who had her orange shirt taken away on her first day of residential school. Webstad has written numerous books and speaks about her experience in residential schools. She also is the founder of The Orange Shirt Society, an organization that was formed in 2015 and aims to "create awareness of the individual, family, and community inter-generational impacts of Indian Residential Schools with the purpose of supporting Indian Residential School Reconciliation and promoting the truth that EVERY CHILD MATTERS."

Many people across both countries wear orange shirts on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a gesture of solidarity and support for Indigenous communities. 

To learn more about the Orange Shirt Society, visit the website here.

Learn more about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation here.