Each year, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.
This federal statutory holiday was created through legislative amendments made by Parliament.
Wear Orange
Both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day take place on September 30.
Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day intended to raise awareness of the individual, family and community inter-generational impacts of residential schools, and to promote the concept of “Every Child Matters”. The orange shirt is a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations.
On September 30, we encourage all Canadians to wear orange to honour the thousands of Survivors of residential schools.
Illuminating Parliament Hill
To commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and to honour the Survivors, their families and communities, buildings across Canada will be illuminated in orange from September 30 at 7:00 pm to sunrise October 1. This will include federal buildings such as the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill.
Remembering the Children
A 1-hour national commemorative gathering will be broadcast live from Ottawa’s LeBreton Flats on September 30, 2022. Check your local listings.
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
Join us in Ottawa or in Winnipeg on September 30, 2022 to memorialize the children lost to the residential school system and honour Survivors, their families, and their communities. Below you will find a run down of events taking place on unceded Anishinaabe Algonquin territory in Ottawa, Ontario as well as on Treaty One Territory in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Everyone is encouraged to wear orange in honour of Orange Shirt Day.
All are welcome to join as we grieve, heal, and learn together.
Ottawa
Remember Me: National Day of Truth and Reconciliation Ceremony
Parliament Hill
10 am – 11:30 am ET
A national youth-led initiative on Parliament Hill featuring an opening ceremony with Elder Claudette Commanda, performances, and speakers such as Autumn Peltier — Global Indigenous Water Activist & Chief Water Commissioner, Anishinabek Nation. An eagle feather ceremony for Survivors will begin at 8:30 am.
Traveling Song & Spirit Walk
Parliament HIll to LeBreton Flats
11:30 AM ET
Join us on a walk from Parliament Hill to LeBreton Flats Park led by children and residential school Survivors. Upon arriving at the park, thousands of attendees will place Indigenous children’s footwear on the stage as a symbol of remembrance of the children who never made it home.
Remembering the Children — Live broadcast
LeBreton Flats Park
1:00-2:00 PM ET
The NCTR and APTN have come together to produce a one-hour commemorative gathering presented in English, French, Inuktitut, and Cree that will broadcast live at 1:00 pm from LeBreton Flats Park in Ottawa. Tune in to hear Survivors’ personal reflections as well as key speaker, His Honour Murray Sinclair, speak about their experiences and the importance of reconciliation. The commemoration will include performances by Chubby Cree, Dennis Saddleman, and many more. The special gathering will serve as an opportunity for everyone to grieve, heal and learn about this tragic history.
