Beyond Orange: Understanding Truth And Reconciliation
Every year on September 30, communities across Canada come together to recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day honours residential school Survivors, the children who never returned home, and their families and communities. It is also an opportunity for Canadians to learn about the history of residential schools and reflect on their lasting impacts. For Indigenous communities, September 30 is more than a day of remembrance. It is a time to honour Survivors, listen to their experiences and recognize the effects that residential schools continue to have on families and communities. For everyone, it is an opportunity to reflect on what truth and reconciliation can mean beyond a single day.
September 30 is also Orange Shirt Day, an Indigenous-led movement founded in 2013 by residential school Survivor Phyllis Webstad. Webstad, who is Northern Secwépemc from the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation, has shared her experience of receiving a new orange shirt from her grandmother before attending residential school at the age of six. When she arrived at the school, the shirt was taken away from her. Her story became the foundation of Orange Shirt Day and the message “Every Child Matters.” The orange shirt has become a symbol of remembrance, recognition and the importance of honouring the experiences of Indigenous children and Survivors. September 30 was chosen because it falls around the time of year when Indigenous children were historically taken from their homes and families to attend residential schools. Orange Shirt Day was created to open conversations about the residential school system and its ongoing effects. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was officially established by the federal government in 2021. It fulfills Call to Action 80 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, which called for a statutory holiday to honour Survivors, their families and communities and recognize the history and legacy of residential schools. Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation are observed together on September 30, but they are distinct initiatives.
To understand reconciliation, we first have to understand the history behind it. Residential schools were part of colonial policies that sought to assimilate Indigenous children and separate them from their families, communities, languages and cultures. Residential schools existed in Canada from the 17th century into the late 1990s, while the formal federally supported system expanded significantly during the 19th and 20th centuries. At least 150,000 First Nations, Inuit and Métis children are estimated to have attended federally run residential schools. The last federally run residential school closed in 1996. Survivors have shared experiences of separation from their families, loss of language and culture, and mistreatment within the residential school system. The impacts did not end when the schools closed. Their effects have continued across generations, affecting families, communities, cultures, languages and connections to land. This is why truth is such an important part of reconciliation. Learning about residential schools means listening to Survivors and Indigenous communities and recognizing that this history continues to shape Canada today. It is also important to remember that Indigenous history is not only a history of residential schools. First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples have distinct cultures, languages, traditions, communities and contemporary experiences that continue to contribute to Canada.
Wearing orange on September 30 can be a meaningful way to show remembrance and support, but Truth and Reconciliation goes beyond wearing a shirt for one day. It can start with learning. Take time to learn about Indigenous history and the Indigenous communities connected to where you live. Read books and work by Indigenous authors and creators, listen to Indigenous voices, support Indigenous artists and businesses, and look for educational events and community programs. For young people, learning can also create opportunities for meaningful conversations with friends, classmates, families and communities. Social media can be used to share educational resources and amplify Indigenous voices rather than treating September 30 as simply another awareness day. Most importantly, reconciliation is ongoing. September 30 gives Canadians an opportunity to pause, listen, learn and remember, but that responsibility continues throughout the year.
This September 30, look beyond the orange shirt. Take time to listen to Survivors, learn about the history and legacy of residential schools, and think about how continued learning and respect can contribute to reconciliation. Honouring the past also means recognizing the importance of Indigenous voices, cultures, languages and communities as we continue to build the future.
