09/30/2026
September 30th is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day.
Today we take time to reflect on our responsibilities as treaty partners, and on the historical and current failures to uphold the promises of respect, unity, fairness, truth and reconciliation we, as settlers, have made to Canada's Indigenous communities. We reaffirm our commitment to listening to and amplifying Indigenous voices, supporting progress on the 94 calls to action laid out by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and pressing for institutional changes that will honour our responsibilities as treaty partners.
As we remember the whole, uncomfortable truth about Canada’s history, the story of Phyllis (Jack) Webstad’s orange shirt serves to illuminate the horrors of the residential school system, the genocide it supported, and its lasting impact on Indigenous peoples, families, and communities across Turtle Island. September 30th, a date that represents both Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, reminds us that sadly, the residential school system is only one part of the historical mistreatment of Indigenous peoples on this land.
While we recognize the resilience of Indigenous peoples today, it is important to remember that this resilience emerged in response to colonial oppression, erasure, and violence. As we recognize the strength and endurance of Indigenous communities, let’s also make space to learn more about Indigenous cultures, customs, practices, beliefs, art, music, knowledge and wisdom.
To learn more about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s report, the 94 calls to action, and the history of the land we call Canada., visit: https://tinyurl.com/msybeewe
