Commemorating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

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.

Walking the path of reconciliation is a collective responsibility. We are confronting the injustices of the past, listening with empathy and humility, and taking meaningful action to address continued inequalities. This is hard work, but it is necessary for Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples alike. In our diversity, together, we find the tools to build a stronger, more prosperous nation.

Let us not grow weary or complacent in the process of pursuing truth, justice and reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit and Métis in Toronto and across Canada.

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.

Remembering The Children: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – National Commemorative Gathering

APTN and the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation present Remembering The Children: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a 90-minute commemorative gathering. The multilingual event will be broadcast live from Parliament Hill, starting at 3 pm (ET) on APTN and APTN Languages.

We must continue to inspire hope as we forge ahead. There is hope because people are respecting the lived experiences and celebrating the rich cultures, languages and traditions of First Nations, Métis and Inuit.

The meaning behind the visuals: Among the various visual elements illustrating Indigenous cultures, the circle is at the centre, which represents being together in spirit of reconciliation. The orange colour represents truth-telling and healing. The pathway represents the road to reconciliation. First Nations, Inuit and Métis are represented by the eagle, narwhal and beaded flower in the image. The stars represent the children who never made it home from residential schools.

#NDTR; #EveryChildMatters; @GCIndigenousHealth