Truth and Reconciliation Day: A Remembrance and a Commitment

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A day to remember and move forward together

September 30 is designated as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. This day is dedicated to commemorating Indigenous children who were sent to residential schools, a system designed to assimilate First Nations, Métis and Inuit children that operated for more than a century. The purpose of this day is to acknowledge the injustices suffered, honour survivors and strengthen our commitment to reconciliation.

Residential schools, often funded by the federal government and run by churches, were designed to “kill the Indian in the child.” The policy caused unimaginable suffering for children who were taken from their families, losing their language, culture, and often their dignity in abusive environments. Many children were never able to return home.

The symbolism of September 30

The date of September 30 was chosen because of its proximity to Orange Shirt Day, an initiative that began in 2013. The day originated from the story of residential school survivor Phyllis Webstad, who had her orange shirt taken away on the first day of school, a symbol of her loss of identity and dignity. Since then, the orange shirt has become a powerful symbol of survivor resilience and the memory of the children who never returned.

This day not only recognizes the trauma and legacy of the residential school system, it also provides an opportunity for Canadian society to recognize historical injustices and take action toward true reconciliation. Wearing orange is a simple yet powerful gesture that shows our support for survivors and their families.

Truth, reconciliation and the way forward

Reconciliation cannot happen without truth. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), which gathered testimony from thousands of survivors, shed light on the suffering experienced at residential schools and recommended concrete actions to redress these wrongs. The TRC’s final report, released in 2015, contained 94 calls to action aimed at restoring Canada’s relationship with Indigenous peoples.

Truth and Reconciliation Day reminds us of the importance of listening, educating, and engaging. Each of us can play a role, whether it’s taking the time to learn more about the history of residential schools, supporting Indigenous initiatives, or participating in community events. Indigenous peoples continue to face many challenges related to the impacts of colonization, and real change will only be possible when everyone actively engages in advancing reconciliation.

Source and references:

• Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
• Phyllis Webstad’s testimony on Orange Shirt Day.
• Government of Canada, “National Day for Truth and Reconciliation”.