Truth and Reconciliation Resources
September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Each year, September 30 marks a day to honour, reflect, and act.
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To honour the Survivors of residential schools, and the children who never returned home.
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To reflect the role every Canadian has to play in Truth and Reconciliation.
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To act in ways that support and uplift Survivors, their families, and communities.
What is Truth and Reconciliation?
Truth and Reconciliation is a call for all Canadians to confront, address, and heal from historical injustices and ongoing impacts of federal and provincial policies that aimed to dispossess Indigenous peoples of land, language, and culture, especially the residential school system.
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The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was established as part of the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement in 2008. The TRC held hearings across Canada, gathering statements and testimonies from Survivors or residential schools, their families, and communities.
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The TRC's primary goals was to document the truth of Survivors, and the lasting effects of the residential school system, which operated from the late 1800s until the late 1900s.
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Reconciliation is a complex and multifaceted process of healing and repairing relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada, founded on mutual respect, understanding, and knowledge of histories, rights, and treaties.
How can I participate in the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation?
There are many ways to participate in the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Here are a few ideas:
Wear Orange
Both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day take place on September 30. ​
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Click here to learn more about residential school Survivor, Phyllis Webstad, and the significance of wearing orange.
Learn
Watch, read, and listen to stories of residential school Survivors, their families, and their communities.
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Not sure where to start? Browse this Resource Guide generously shared with us by our friends at Rise Consulting.
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Act
Participate in local events. Tune into the Remembering the Children: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation broadcast.
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Donate to Indigenous organizations that support Survivors and their families.​
Listen
This podcast episode features a conservation between Faculty of Health Knowledge Keeper Myeengun Henry and Dr. Bryan Grimwood, a professor in the Department of Recreation and Leisure at the University of Waterloo. Together, they explore how Indigenous knowledge and perspectives can shape recreation, community, and connection to land. ​
Truth and reconciliation is not a one-day event -
it's a life-long commitment
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation marks an important time to mourn, honour, and reflect - but it's only the beginning. Truth and Reconciliation calls for a life-long commitment of listening, learning, and action.