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September 30 is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

This day  is dedicated to honoring the survivors, families, and communities impacted by the residential school system and its tragic and lasting impacts felt through the Indigenous community todate . The day serves as an important opportunity for all Canadians to learn, reflect, and participate in educational and commemorative activities to advance the process of reconciliation. 

In 2015, 94 Calls to Action was released to guide federal and provincial governments on a path of truth and reconciliation with Indigenous communities, not only recognizing the horrors of the past, but also leveraging the 94 calls to action and identifying how to reprimand the systems that upheld and perpetuated colonial violence.

Key Aspects of the Day:

• Honoring Survivors: The primary purpose of the day is to remember and honor the children who never returned home, their families, and the resilience of survivors of residential schools. 
• Residential Schools: It acknowledges the devastating and ongoing impact of the residential school system on Indigenous peoples in Canada. 
• Orange Shirt Day: The date coincides with Orange Shirt Day, which began in 2013 and uses the color orange to symbolize the harm caused to Indigenous children in residential schools. 
• Education and Reflection: It's an opportunity for Canadians to educate themselves about the truth of residential schools and to reflect on their role in the journey toward reconciliation. 

What You Can Do:

• Wear Orange: Wear an orange shirt to show solidarity with survivors and to raise awareness. 
• Educate Yourself: Learn more about the history and legacy of residential schools through reliable resources. 
• Participate in Events: Attend local or online community gatherings, workshops, and cultural events focused on truth and reconciliation. 
• Support Indigenous Initiatives: Donate to organizations supporting residential school survivors and support local Indigenous businesses and artists. 

Intentional Family of Canada calls for education, action, and change in recognizing, respecting, and correcting the errors of the past, for a future where Indigenous rights are seriously respected and upheld in the context of reconciliation and moving forward in a manner that respects Indigenous culture, practices, and beliefs. 🧡

Find out how else you can get directly involved this Truth and Reconciliation Week of 2025 for Indigenous communities. Attend a webinar, engage in free learning opportunities, educate yourself and act.