09/30/2026
Orange Shirt Day/National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, September 30, is a time to remember and honour Indigenous children who were taken from their communities and families to residential institutions.
Every year on Orange Shirt Day/National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we wear an Orange Shirt to remember children like Phyllis Webstad whose beautiful and special orange shirt was taken from her when she entered residential school. We remember children who didn’t return home, we remember survivors and their families who suffer with intergenerational trauma stemming from this system.
The United Church is responsible for 15 residential schools operated between 1849 and 1969. About 6.7% of the approximately 80,000 residential school students still alive today attended United Church schools.
In 1998, the church apologized specifically for its role in Indian Residential Schools, and since 2008 has been actively engaged in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC), which was created to address the history and legacy of Indian Residential Schools.
On our website, you can find out more about The United Church of Canada's ongoing work toward Truth and Reconciliation, along with ways individuals and communities of faith can practice reconciliation and work for Indigenous justice: https://united-church.ca/social-action/justice-initiatives/reconciliation-and-indigenous-justice
Creator and Sustainer of Life
Grant us Grace and Mercy for the difficult journey ahead
We seek to repair our past, going forward on a shared road of blessing and goodwill.
Lord Hear Our Prayer
Grant us Peace and Knowledge to know your ways
We seek a new path that supports those in need and those who struggle in these times.
Lord Hear Our Prayer
Grant us Purpose and Commitment to make collective choices
We seek to act for the care of our neighbours, and for the wellbeing of our communities.
Lord Hear Our Prayer
May we contend with our history in healing ways
May we seek a new unity and the promise of a new beginning.
Lord Hear Our Prayer
—prayer from a new Orange Shirt Sunday worship service by Rev. Tony Snow: https://united-church.ca/worship-special-days/orange-shirt-sunday
You can support The United Church of Canada's reconciliation work by donating to the Healing Fund, which funds Indigenous healing initiatives around the country. https://healingfund.pllenty.com
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