National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Truth and Reconciliation in Canada is a national process of acknowledging and addressing the harmful legacy of residential schools and other colonial policies that have deeply affected Indigenous peoples for generations. For more than a century, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children were forcibly removed from their families and placed in residential and day schools, where many suffered neglect, abuse, loss of culture, and separation from their communities. Thousands of children never returned home. The intergenerational impacts of these schools continue to be felt today, contributing to social, cultural, and economic challenges faced by Indigenous communities.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC), established in 2008, gathered testimonies from thousands of Survivors and their families. In its final report, the TRC issued 94 Calls to Action, urging governments, institutions, and all Canadians to take meaningful steps toward healing and rebuilding relationships. These actions address areas such as child welfare, education, justice, language and culture, health, and public awareness.

Reconciliation is not just about recognizing past harms, but also about building respectful and equitable relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. It requires ongoing commitment, active listening, and concrete action from individuals, communities, and governments. Symbols such as the orange shirt—originating from the story of residential school Survivor Shirley "Cooco" Commanda—remind us of the children who were taken and the importance of honoring their memory.

September 30th, now recognized as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, provides all Canadians an opportunity to reflect, learn, and engage in this journey. True reconciliation means acknowledging the truth, supporting healing, and working together toward a future where Indigenous rights, cultures, and voices are respected and valued.