National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: Why September 30 Matters

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is observed every September 30. Canada established it in 2021 as a federal statutory holiday in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 80, which called for a day that honours Survivors, their families and communities and keeps public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools visible. The day is not meant to close the conversation; it is meant to make remembrance, education and reconciliation part of the public record.

September 30 also marks Orange Shirt Day, a Survivor-founded movement that began in Williams Lake, British Columbia, in 2013. The date was chosen in part because it reflects the time of year when many Indigenous children were historically taken from their homes and families to attend residential schools. The federal day and Orange Shirt Day now share the same date, but Orange Shirt Day remains its own Indigenous-led movement centred on truth-telling, Survivors and the message that every child matters.

Orange Shirt Day grew from the experience of Phyllis Webstad. In 1973, when she was six years old, her grandmother bought her a bright orange shirt for her first day at St. Joseph Mission Indian Residential School. The shirt was taken from her when she arrived. Her story became a powerful way to describe how the residential school system attempted to strip children of identity, culture, dignity and belonging. Wearing orange on September 30 is therefore a symbol of remembrance and a prompt to listen to Survivors’ truths rather than a fashion statement.

The day honours First Nations, Inuit and Métis Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities, and remembers the children who never returned home. Public commemoration matters because the effects of the residential school system did not end when the schools closed. Survivors and Indigenous communities have described lasting effects across families, language, culture, health and community life. Respectful observance starts by recognizing that this history is living memory for many people.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission issued 94 Calls to Action to redress the legacy of residential schools and advance reconciliation. They address areas such as child welfare, education, language and culture, health, justice, media and public commemoration. The Calls to Action are directed not only at governments but also at institutions, organizations and individuals. September 30 can be a starting point for learning, but meaningful reconciliation depends on what people continue to learn and do throughout the year.

Participation can be simple and sincere: wear orange; learn from Survivors and Indigenous-led organizations; read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action; attend local Indigenous-led commemorative or educational events; and make space for reflection rather than promotion. For businesses and organizations, September 30 is best treated as a day of education and respect - not as a sales opportunity. Communications should avoid stereotypes, unlicensed cultural imagery, product tie-ins or language that centres the brand more than the people and history being remembered.

For this September 30 campaign, My Legacy is treating the day as non-promotional. The newsletter and accompanying blog post are intended to invite learning, remembrance and reflection. There is no discount code, product push or “shop now” message attached to the commemoration. The most useful role for a brand on this day is to point people toward credible Indigenous-led and public educational resources, then continue that learning beyond September 30.

Residential school history can be painful or triggering. A 24-hour support line for former residential school students and their families is available at 1-866-925-4419. First Nations, Inuit and Métis people seeking immediate emotional support can contact the Hope for Wellness Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 or use its online chat.