This year marks the third anniversary of recognizing National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR), as a nation. However, many non-Indigenous peoples don’t fully understand what it is or why and how they should participate. Let this be a guide to this important day.   

Is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day the same thing?
NDTR is a day that coincides with Orange Shirt Day, but it is not the same thing as Orange Shirt Day. Orange Shirt Day was established in 2013, by the Orange Shirt Society, to create awareness of impacts of residential schools on individuals, families, and communities and to promote the concept of “Every Child Matters”. It was founded by Phyllis Webstad, who had her brand new, carefully selected, orange shirt stripped from her on her first day of residential school, when she was just six years old. The orange shirt now acts as a symbol of the stripping away of culture and freedom experienced by generations of Indigenous children. Learn more about the origins of Orange Shirt Day here. 

What is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation?
The National Day Truth and Reconciliation is a federal, statutory holiday, established in 2021, and addresses one of the calls to action included in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s final report The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) ran from 2008 – 2015 and provided an opportunity for residential school survivors to share their stories of trauma, survival, and resilience. The TRC Report includes record of these difficult stories and 94 Calls to Action for Canada and Canadians. Call to Action 80 called for a federal statutory day of commemoration. September 30th now marks this important day. 

“Typically, in late September, when community members had returned from traditional harvesting activities, buses and trucks would arrive to collect the children. Children were literally peeled from the arms of their parents or grandparents.”

Despite the differences, the NDTR and Orange Shirt Day have similar goals – to commemorate the residential school experience, honour the children who never came home, and promote the healing of survivors. It is estimated that over 150,000 Indigenous children attended Indian residential schools in Canada and an estimated 6,000 children never returned home.  

Why should I participate?
Learning about Indigenous lives and histories is an important component of reconciliation. And reconciliation is a journey towards positive change. But first, we must listen and learn. Building awareness of the past is the first step in the journey for both non-Indigenous and Indigenous peoples. We cannot fix what we are not aware of or do not understand.   

There were 140 federally run residential schools in Canada that operated for more than a century between 1867 and 1996iv. Yes, you read that right – 1996. The last residential school - Gordon's Indian Residential School in Punnichy, Saskatchewan - closed less than 30 years ago.   

NDTR is an opportunity to learn about our shared history, acknowledge the harms done, witness and honour the healing journey of survivors, and be part of the efforts to transform our society into one that is just and fair for all. But if you have any experience with Indigenous cultures, you will know that it is filled with joy, humour, and tradition. So, NDTR is also an opportunity to better understand and experience the rich and diverse cultures, voices, and experiences of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.  

“Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” –– George Santayana

How should I participate?
There are several ways to participate, learn, and be inspired on September 30th. At Arts Commons, we are hosting a full day of FREE activities. The day includes films about Indigenous life and history, generously provided by the National Film Board of Canada; an Indigenous Makers Market featuring artists and artisans from around Treaty 7; and the Elders Story Project, which is the marquee event of the day.   

Note that seating is limited! You can learn more and secure your spot here. 

How else can you help?
Those joining us for any part of the day are encouraged to donate to the Elders Knowledge Circle Society (EKCS) when they reserve their seat. The EKCS is a group of 30+ Elders and Traditional Knowledge Keepers who have a long-held desire to establish a centralized place of knowledge and wisdom where Elders from different Nations could become a resource to benefit both Indigenous and non-Indigenous groups. Members of the EKCS are either Survivors or family members of Survivors of residential schools and are the storytellers who will be on stage for the Elders Story Project.  

No matter what you decide to do or where you decide to go, or even if you have other plans on September 30th, wear an orange shirt to mark the day and show your support. It is a simple act of solidarity and respect that unites us in positive change.