09/30/2026
September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was established in response to Call to Action 80 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which called for a statutory holiday to honour Survivors, their families, and communities, and to ensure the history and legacy of residential schools are publicly remembered.
Today is an opportunity to remember, reflect, and continue learning about this history, its lasting impacts, and the experiences and perspectives of Indigenous Peoples.
This year, we’re sharing Stolen Words by Melanie Florence, illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard. Through the relationship between a young girl and her grandfather, the story explores the loss of language caused by residential schools and the importance of culture, family, and connection.
Books can offer a thoughtful way to begin age-appropriate conversations with children about difficult parts of our history. We encourage families to explore Stolen Words and continue learning from Indigenous stories and voices.