National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

What Is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation?

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a federal statutory holiday in Canada, observed annually on 30 September. This day is dedicated to honouring the children who were sent to residential schools and never returned, the survivors of these institutions, and their families and communities who endured profound suffering. It provides an opportunity for all Canadians to reflect on the devastating legacy of the residential school system.

The establishment of this day serves as a direct response to Call to Action 80 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC). It seeks to facilitate healing, understanding, and reconciliation between Indigenous peoples and non-Indigenous Canadians. The observance encourages public commemoration and education about Canada’s history of residential schools.

History and Origins of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

The origins of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation are deeply rooted in Canada’s colonial history and the residential school system. For over a century, from the 1870s to 1996, more than 150,000 First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children were forcibly removed from their families and communities to attend government-funded, church-run residential schools. The stated goal of these schools was to assimilate Indigenous children into Euro-Canadian culture, but they were often characterised by neglect, abuse, and cultural suppression.

In 2008, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada was established to document the history and impacts of the residential school system. After six years of research and hearings, the TRC released its final report in 2015, which included 94 Calls to Action. Call to Action 80 specifically called upon the federal government, in collaboration with Indigenous peoples, to establish a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a statutory holiday to honour survivors, their families, and communities, and to ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.

The movement for a national day gained significant momentum following the discovery of unmarked graves at former residential school sites across Canada, beginning in 2021. The date 30 September was chosen because it aligns with Orange Shirt Day, a grassroots, Indigenous-led initiative that began in 2013. Orange Shirt Day was inspired by residential school survivor Phyllis Webstad, who shared her story of having her new orange shirt taken from her on her first day at the St. Joseph Mission Residential School in Williams Lake, British Columbia. This day quickly became a symbol of remembrance and a call for “Every Child Matters.” On 3 June 2021, Bill C-5 received Royal Assent, officially establishing 30 September as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

How National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Is Celebrated

Observances for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation primarily take place across Canada, reflecting its status as a federal statutory holiday. The day is widely recognised as a time for education, reflection, and commemoration. Many individuals and organisations wear orange shirts in solidarity with residential school survivors, echoing the spirit of Orange Shirt Day.

Across the country, various events are organised. These often include memorial ceremonies, survivor gatherings, educational workshops, and community walks or parades. Indigenous communities frequently host cultural events, storytelling sessions, and traditional ceremonies to share their history and heritage. Educational institutions, from primary schools to universities, often incorporate special programming and curriculum to teach about the residential school system and the ongoing process of reconciliation.

As a federal statutory holiday, federal government offices are closed, and employees in federally regulated sectors have the day off. While all provinces and territories acknowledge the day, its status as a statutory holiday varies. Some provinces, such as British Columbia, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia, have adopted it as a provincial statutory holiday, granting a day off to provincial public sector employees. Other provinces and territories encourage observance through educational initiatives and local events but do not designate it as a paid public holiday for all workers. Businesses are encouraged to reflect on the meaning of the day and implement their own observances.

When Is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation?

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is observed annually on 30 September. This date is fixed and does not change from year to year. The selection of 30 September is deliberate, chosen to coincide with Orange Shirt Day, an existing grassroots movement dedicated to honouring residential school survivors and promoting awareness of the residential school system.

As a federal statutory holiday in Canada, if 30 September falls on a weekend, the holiday is typically observed on the closest preceding Friday or following Monday for federal employees. This ensures that federal workers receive a day off in lieu of the weekend observance. The Gregorian calendar system is used for its dating.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Key Facts