Photo from https://irshdc.ubc.ca/orange-shirt-day-2023-photo-gallery/
A National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Written by Ella Hamill | September 22nd, 2025
Truth and Reconciliation Day, also known as Orange Shirt Day, is a national observance that takes place on September 30th. It is a day to acknowledge and recognize the historical and current impacts of the Indian Residential School System on Indigenous peoples, along with the ongoing commitment to reconciliation.
The origins of Truth and Reconciliation Day come from Orange Shirt Day. Phyllis Webstad, a residential school survivor, wore her brand new orange shirt to her first day at St. Joseph’s Mission residential school. When she arrived, her orange shirt was taken from her and never returned. This experience of being stripped of her possessions represents the loss of identity and culture that Indigenous people faced at residential schools. The day September 30th was chosen because it is around the same time when Phyllis was taken to attend residential school.
On September 30th, wearing an orange shirt and attending Truth and Reconciliation events provides an opportunity for people to continue to educate themselves, engage in reconciliation efforts, honour survivors and their families, and address the historical and ongoing impacts of residential schools.
Learn More About the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation!
Resources
Learn more about Orange Shirt Day: Link Here
Learn more about reconciliation efforts in Canada: Link Here
Free online educational resource for grades k-12: Link Here
Events
The Great Salish Heist Screening
Tuesday, September 30th, 2025 | 1:00pm – 2:30pm | Free RSVP, entry by donation
Location: Museum of Vancouver
Link Here
Hastings Community Centre Orange Shirt Day Event
Tuesday, September 30th, 2025 | 2:00pm – 5:00pm
Location: Templeton Indigenous Welcome Garden, 700 Templeton Drive
Remembering the Children: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Tuesday, September 30th, 2025 | 12:00pm – 1:30pm (video available afterwards)
Location: Online
Wellness Resources
Engaging with Indian Residential School histories and legacies can lead to emotional reactions and (unexpectedly) difficult thoughts and feelings. Sometimes these can surface hours, days, or weeks later. This is perfectly normal. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, it is important to respect your needs and to be kind to yourself.
- Indian Residential School Survivors Society Toll-Free Line 1 (800) 721-0066
- 24-Hour National Crisis Line 1 (866) 925-4419
- KUU-US Crisis Line 1 (800) 588-8717
- Tsow-Tun-Le Lum 1 (866) 925-4419
- Indigenous Wellness Program (604) 675-2551 or 1 (866) 884-0888
- Canadian Mental Health Association1 (800) 555-8222
- HeretoHelp 1 (800) 661-2121
- First Nations Health Authority – Mental Health Benefit
- Métis Nation BC – Mental Health Services
- Kids Help Phone1 (800) 668-6868
- Crisis Services Canada 1 (833) 456-4566 or text 45645
- First Nations & Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line 1 (855) 242-3310
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