Each year, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.
This federal statutory holiday was created through legislative amendments made by Parliament.
Wear Orange
Both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day take place on September 30.
Orange Shirt Day is a commemorative day led by Indigenous communities to raise awareness about the intergenerational impacts of residential schools on children, families, and communities. It honours Indigenous children who were lost in the residential school system.
The orange shirt symbolizes the loss of culture, freedom, and self-esteem that many Indigenous children experienced. This day reminds us that “Every Child Matters”.
On September 30, we encourage all Canadians to wear orange to honour the thousands of Survivors of residential schools.
Download resources and share how you will mark this day by using the hashtag #NDTR on social media.
Commemorating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Across the country, you can find open to public local activities and gatherings organized to commemorate the history and legacy of residential schools.
Find an event near you by following hashtag #NDTR on social media.
Illuminating Parliament Hill
To commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day and to honour the Survivors, their families, and communities, the Peace Tower and the Senate Building will be illuminated in orange throughout the evening of September 30.
National Commemorative Gathering: Remembering The Children – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
APTN and the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation invite Canadians to take part in the National Commemorative Gathering: Remembering the Children – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This 90-minute commemorative event highlights survivors as well as Indigenous artists. The event will be broadcast live from Parliament Hill, starting at 3 p.m. (ET) on the APTN channel and on several major television and radio networks.
Truth and Reconciliation Week
The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation offers a free virtual educational program from September 22-26, 2025, to all schools across Canada. This is a transformative journey for students, educators, and the broader community to engage with the history and enduring spirit of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples. Programming is available in English, French and ASL. Registration is required.
Mental health supports available
Former residential school students can call 1-866-925-4419 for emotional crisis referral services and information on other health supports from the Government of Canada.
Indigenous peoples across Canada can also go to The Hope for Wellness Help Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for counselling and crisis intervention.
Call the toll-free Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat (Please use Google Chrome).
