September 30 marks Canada’s Nationwide Day for Reality and Reconciliation, also referred to as Orange Shirt Day. At the present time honours Indigenous survivors of residential faculties and remembers the youngsters who by no means returned residence. For newcomers to Canada, September 30 is a robust alternative to study in regards to the nation’s Indigenous historical past and perceive how reconciliation shapes Canadian society right now.
Quick Reality: Greater than 150,000 Indigenous youngsters attended residential faculties throughout Canada between the 1870s and Nineteen Nineties (Authorities of Canada).
The Story Behind Orange Shirt Day
Orange Shirt Day started in 2013 as a grassroots motion impressed by Phyllis Webstad, a residential college survivor from British Columbia.
At six years outdated, Phyllis arrived at her residential college carrying a brand new orange shirt her grandmother had purchased for her. It was taken away, and she or he by no means noticed it once more. The orange shirt now symbolizes the lack of id, tradition, and dignity that Indigenous youngsters skilled.
Each Youngster Issues — this phrase reminds Canadians that every one youngsters deserve security, love, and respect.
Why This Day Issues for All Canadians, Together with Newcomers
For anybody dwelling in Canada, together with newcomers, the Nationwide Day for Reality and Reconciliation is a chance to mirror, present respect, and study. It’s a reminder that understanding Indigenous historical past helps construct a extra inclusive future for everybody who calls Canada residence.
How one can get entangled:
- Study in regards to the historical past of residential faculties.
- Attend group occasions or ceremonies.
- Help Indigenous-led companies and artists.
- Put on orange to indicate solidarity and remembrance.
Reality and Reconciliation: A Nationwide Dedication
In 2015, Canada’s Reality and Reconciliation Fee (TRC) launched 94 Calls to Motion to assist redress the legacy of residential faculties. These actions deal with training, justice, and commemoration.
To honour this dedication, Parliament handed Invoice C-5 in 2021, formally recognizing September 30 as a federal statutory vacation.
As of 2025, 6 provinces and territories (British Columbia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut) formally observe the day as a statutory vacation.
How Canadians Observe Orange Shirt Day
Throughout Canada, folks honour the day in significant methods:
- Put on orange: To point out help for survivors and their households.
- Attend memorials or instructional occasions: Native communities, faculties, and universities maintain gatherings.
- Mirror and study: Many Canadians take time to learn the TRC Calls to Motion or go to Indigenous cultural centres.
- Watch the Nationwide Broadcast: “Remembering the Kids: Nationwide Day for Reality and Reconciliation” airs yearly on APTN and different broadcasters.
Yearly, the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill and landmarks throughout Canada are lit orange in solidarity.
Reality and Reconciliation Occasions Throughout Canada
Yearly, communities nationwide host occasions to teach and unite Canadians in reflection and reconciliation.
Ottawa, Ontario
- Parliament Hill and authorities buildings are illuminated orange.
- Nationwide commemorative broadcast: “Remembering the Kids.”
Winnipeg, Manitoba
- Southern Chiefs’ Group fifth Annual Orange Shirt Day Therapeutic Stroll and Pow Wow on the RBC Conference Centre. Free occasion that includes intertribal dance specials, drums, and humanities and crafts.
Calgary, Alberta
- College of Calgary & Calgary Public Library: Workshops, ceremonies, and public studying classes in regards to the historical past of residential faculties, intergenerational trauma, and Indigenous resilience.
Toronto, Ontario
- Metropolis Corridor flags at half-mast; the Toronto signal illuminated orange.
- Neighborhood occasions and storytelling classes throughout town.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Is September 30 a Statutory Vacation in Canada?
Not all provinces and territories acknowledge September 30 as a paid statutory vacation. Right here’s the present breakdown (2025):
| PROVINCE/ TERRITORY |
STAT HOLIDAY |
|---|---|
| Federal Staff | Sure, applies to federally regulated industries (i.e. banks) |
| British Columbia | Sure |
| Prince Edward Island | Sure |
| Manitoba | Sure |
| Nunavut | Sure |
| Yukon | Sure |
| Northwest Territories | Sure |
| Ontario, Alberta, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador | *No, noticed as a commemorative day |
*Even when not a statutory vacation, faculties and communities throughout these provinces host studying occasions and reflection actions.
How Newcomers Can Take part in Reconciliation
Shifting to Canada means becoming a member of a nation that continues to study from its previous. Taking part in reconciliation actions helps construct cultural consciousness and exhibits respect for Indigenous communities. Right here’s how one can present help and construct understanding in easy, respectful methods:
- 1. Study and mirror: Examine Reality and Reconciliation and take time on September 30 to consider what it means to you.
2. Join: Go to native Indigenous cultural centres or occasions.
3. Share: Discuss with family and friends about why Each Youngster Issues.
FAQs about Nationwide Day for Reality and Reconciliation
What does the orange shirt symbolize?
The orange shirt symbolizes the lack of id and tradition skilled by Indigenous youngsters pressured into residential faculties. It’s an emblem of resilience and hope for therapeutic.
Is Nationwide Day for Reality and Reconciliation the identical as Orange Shirt Day?
They’re intently related. Orange Shirt Day started in 2013 as a grassroots motion and later impressed the creation of the federal vacation in 2021.
Can newcomers or non-Indigenous Canadians take part?
Sure. Everybody in Canada can take part, study, and mirror on the that means of reconciliation.
How can I study extra about Indigenous historical past in Canada?
You possibly can go to Reconciliation Info for Newcomers to Canada, discover the Reality and Reconciliation Fee web site, or attend group workshops.
Ultimate Ideas
September 30 is a time to pay attention, study, and bear in mind. For newcomers and long-time Canadians alike, acknowledging this present day is a step towards understanding, therapeutic, and unity.
WRITTEN BY
Corinna Frattini
Senior Editor and Content material Director, Put together for Canada
Corinna researches and writes content material to assist newcomers make knowledgeable choices about housing, employment, banking, and points of settling in Canada. With a background in human assets and management growth, her articles deal with how newcomers can proceed their careers in Canada. Her writing combines analysis, sensible steerage, and clear language to help newcomers on their journey.
© Put together for Canada 2025
