Becoming a Better Ally: How to Honour National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Friday, September 30 is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. Many also refer to this day as Orange Shirt Day. Read on to learn about the day’s historical significance and how you can show your support. 

Why is it called Orange Shirt Day? 

September 30 has been named Orange Shirt Day annually to hold space for the lost individuals and survivors of residential schools.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was first known as Orange Shirt Day because of Phyllis Webstad’s story. Phyllis is a residential school survivor who attended the Mission residential school in 1973. Before her first day, she excitedly picked out a shiny orange shirt to wear, anticipating the new school year.

When she arrived at school, the Mission staff stripped her clothes and she never got her orange shirt back. After a school year filled with abuse, she had her son at only 13 years old.

Phyllis’ orange shirt symbolizes the struggle, abuse, mistreatment and hardships children endured in the residential school system. People are encouraged to wear an orange shirt on September 30 in honour of residential school survivors and those who lost their lives. 

Why is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Important? 

This day holds space for the children who never came home and survivors of residential schools, along with their families and communities. Over the course of 167 years, there were 140 federally run residential schools in Canada. 

While it cannot repair the years of trauma and painful history, this day is an ongoing effort towards the truth and reconciliation process. Learn more about Canada’s reconciliation journey.

How to show your support

Here are ways you can become a better ally and participate in the work towards truth and reconciliation:

• Use the #NDTR and #EveryChildMatters hashtag on social mediaInvite conversations with family and friends 
• Research First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in your area and learn about their contributions
• Volunteer for an Indigenous organization or friendship center
• Read and learn about the impacts of residential schools
• Learn the land acknowledgement in your area
• Support local Indigenous artists, business owners, musicians, authors, etc.
• Read survivor’s stories
• Donate to Indigenous-led non-profits and charities 

 

If you’re able to show support by way of donation, here are some indigenous-led organizations you can donate to: 

• Orange Shirt Society
• Reconciliation Canada
• Indian Residential School Survivor Society  
• Honouring Indigenous Peoples
• The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund

 

To remember and honour this day, all Robertson campuses will be closed on September 30. We encourage everyone to listen intently to Indigenous voices and reflect on the intergenerational harm caused by residential schools — so we can all strive to become better treaty people.

 

If you need immediate emotional support, please contact the 24 Hour Residential School Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419.