Each year, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day honours Survivors of the residential school system, the children who never returned home, and their families and communities. It is a time to reflect on the history and lasting impacts of residential schools on Indigenous communities and to engage in meaningful learning and action in support of reconciliation.
Both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day take place on September 30. Orange Shirt Day is a grassroots campaign founded by Phyllis Webstad that is intended to raise awareness about the impacts of the residential school system. It was inspired by her story of having her new orange shirt taken away on her first day of school at St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School in Williams Lake, BC. The orange shirt has become a symbol of hope, reconciliation and a commitment to a better future. Everyone is encouraged to wear orange on September 30 to honour the Survivors of residential schools.
If you are looking for a way to commemorate and recognize this day of active listening, and action (on top of wearing an orange shirt, which is a good start!) here are a few events in which you can participate around Metro Vancouver.
- (Sept 25) Natural Dye Truth & Reconciliation Workshop
- (Sept 25) Rhythms of Resilience: Voices of Warrior Women
- (Sept 26) BC Lions Orange Shirt Day Game
- (Sept 27) Truth and Reconciliation: One in Spirit Writing Workshop
- (Sept 27) The Art of Tea Blending with rhtea.co
- (Sept 27) The Legacy of the Salish Woolly Dog Presentation with Senaqwila Wyss
- (Sept 27) World Premiere of NDN Giver at the Bill Reid Gallery
- (Sept 27) Towards Truth and Reconciliation: Comic Workshop with Jordanna George
- (Sept 27) The Jingle Dance: Interactive Powwow Experience with Raven Spirit Dance
- (Sept 27) Orange Shirt Day at Holland Park in Surrey
- (Sept 28) VSO The Path Forward Featuring Pam Baker, Jeremy Dutcher
- (Sept 28) Culture Club at MOA: Cedar Hearts for Reconciliation
- (Sept 29) Sugarcane Film Screening at Pacific Theatre for NDTR
- September 30, 2025 – Orange Shirt Day
- MOV & the Space Centre Present The Great Salish Heist
- Cedar Weaving with Todd DeVries
- NFB Indigenous Short Films Screenings
- Vancouver Aquarium NDTR Programming
- Truth and Reconciliation at Burnaby Village
- Films For Truth And Reconciliation
- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Coquitlam
- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Port Moody
- Semiahmoo First Nation’s Walk for Truth and Reconciliation
- Truth & Reconciliation Day at MONOVA
- Orange Shirt Day at Grandview Park
- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Teaching Pow Wow: Voices of our Children
- Orange Shirt Day and Teaching Pow Wow at Queens Park
More events will be added throughout the month as they are announced. There are also online events and resources for schools during Truth and Reconciliation Week.
Additional Resources
- Learn about the impacts of the Indian Residential School system
- Read about how Orange Shirt Day originates from the story of Phyllis Webstad from the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation.
- Read the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre’s “Red Women Rising” report.
- Actively listen to people of First Nations, Inuit and Métis backgrounds
- Stand up to stereotypes, prejudice and systemic racism
- Have conversations with your family and friends (even children)
- Be respectful towards trauma survivors and elders
- Support Indigenous-led community organizations
- Be patient, empathetic and receptive (it’s distressing for everyone)
- Raise awareness in your community and online (wear orange)