09/30/2026
September 30th marks National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day 🧡
Orange Shirt Day began in Williams Lake, British Columbia, on September 30th, 2013 to establish honoring Residential School Survivors, their families, and those who never returned home. It serves as a powerful reminder of the last impacts of the Residential School system.
The orange shirt symbolizes the loss of culture, freedom and self-esteem that many Indigenous children experienced. This day reminds us that Every Child Matters and idea that resonates deeply with our mission. Which shirt are you wearing this year? 👕
What is a Residential School? 💡
Residential schools were designed to separate children from families, culture, and communities, thereby wiping out their inherent existence. Over 150,000 children were forced to attend schools that were rampant in abuse, neglect, subpar education, and which led to the death of thousands of youth across the country. How did the government let that happen for over 160 years? It seems incredible, and yet, the last Residential school closed in Ontario in 1991.
We encourage you to learn more about Orange Shirt Day and search for events being held in your community through the link in our comments.