Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation

Growing up in the US while we did learn how the Native Americans helped the Pilgrims (our schools focused on this around Thanksgiving, but the focus was more on how the Pilgrims survived than on the Native Americans), most references to "Indians" placed them in the position of the "bad guys" who wanted to "scalp" the white "Americans". So, when I learned how Canada faced their own history with First Nations Peoples I was SO impressed! Canada apologized to the First Nations People for the schools their children were forced to attend, faced the truth of how First Nations Peoples suffered, and worked for reconciliation. I learned on-line . . .

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada is observed annually on September 30. 

Overview & Purpose

Date: September 30 each year (coinciding with Orange Shirt Day).
Established: Created as a federal statutory holiday in 2021 (via Bill C-5) to fulfill Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call to Action #80.
Meaning: Honours the children who never returned home from the Canadian Indian residential school system, along with survivors, their families, and affected communities. 
History: Acknowledges the painful legacy of 140 federally run residential schools operating between 1867 and 1996, where over 150,000 Indigenous children were forcibly separated from their families. 

Orange Shirt Day

Symbolism: Wearing an orange shirt represents the Orange Shirt Day movement, inspired by residential school survivor Phyllis Webstad. 
Origin: When she was six years old, her brand-new orange shirt was taken away from her on her first day at St. Joseph’s Mission residential school. 
Message: The orange shirt symbolizes "Every Child Matters" and highlights the stripping of Indigenous culture, language, and freedom. 

Statutory Status

Federal Scope: A paid statutory holiday for federal employees and workers under the Canada Labour Code. 
Provincial/Territorial Scope: Designated as a statutory/provincial holiday in British Columbia, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut, with specific provincial observances in other regions. 

How the Day is Marked

Commemoration: Communities across Canada hold sunrise ceremonies, healing walks, community gatherings, and educational programs.
Support Lines: For anyone needing support, the 24-hour Hope for Wellness Helpline is available at 1-855-242-3310, and a national Indian Residential School Crisis Line is open at 1-866-925-4419

A National Day for Truth & Reconciliation was needed, and I believe it says a lot about Canada that they made this day happen and continue to be accountable going forward.