Image: MN DNR

By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - September 30, 2025

September 30 marks a day of significance for Indigenous peoples across North America. Locally, it is the anniversary of the signing of the 1854 Treaty of La Pointe, and internationally, Orange Shirt Day, which is also recognized as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada.

The Treaty of La Pointe

The Treaty of La Pointe was formally signed on September 30, 1854, between the Lake Superior and Mississippi Chippewa (Ojibwe/Anishinaabe) and the U.S. government. Under this agreement, the Ojibwe ceded over 5 million acres, now known as the Arrowhead Region of northeastern Minnesota. As part of the agreement, the Ojibwe retained the right to continue hunting, fishing, and gathering on the ceded territory. 

Article 11 of the 1854 Treaty states:"...And such of them as reside in the territory hereby ceded, shall have the right to hunt and fish therein, until otherwise ordered by the President." 

In exchange for the land, reservations were also established, including one for the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. 

Ojibwe leaders, specifically Chief Buffalo, successfully challenged prior removal orders, securing a commitment from President Millard Fillmore that the Ojibwe would not be forcibly removed from their homelands. The retained rights of the treaty continue to be enforced today. These rights are cooperatively managed through the 1854 Treaty Authority (originally Tri-Band Authority), which works with the State of Minnesota to regulate off-reservation harvest. 

To learn more about the 1854 Treaty or other treaties, click here.

Orange Shirt Day/National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Across the continent, September 30 is designated as Orange Shirt Day, which coincides with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada, which is dedicated to honoring the survivors of residential schools and the children who never returned. The goal of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is to raise awareness of the historical trauma inflicted upon Indigenous peoples and foster a commitment to reconciliation, according to the Canadian Government, which made the day a federal holiday in 2021. 

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 is also the founder of The Orange Shirt Society. This organization 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," according to the website.

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.