National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

The Office of the Vice Dean Indigenous Health welcomes all to take part in Canada's fifth National day for Truth and Reconciliation observed on September 30.

By The Office of the Vice Dean Indigenous Health

This is a solemn and powerful day dedicated to honouring the children who never returned home from residential schools, as well as the Survivors, their families, and communities. It’s also known as Orange Shirt Day, inspired by the story of Phyllis Webstad, whose orange shirt was taken from her on her first day at a residential school—symbolizing the loss of identity, culture, and dignity experienced by Indigenous children.  

  • It responds to Call to Action 80 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which urged the creation of a statutory holiday to commemorate the legacy of residential schools.  
    • 80. We call upon the federal government, in collaboration with Aboriginal peoples, to establish, as a statutory holiday, a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honour Survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.
  • It’s a day to confront the truths of colonial history, acknowledge intergenerational trauma, and commit to reconciliation through education, empathy, and action.  

Here are some thoughtful ways to engage with the spirit of the day:  

Learn  

Participate  

Act  

  • Reflect on your own role in reconciliation—what biases or assumptions might you hold? 
  • Advocate for policy changes that support Indigenous rights and well-being. 
  • Make reconciliation part of your year-round commitment, not just one day.  

This day isn’t about guilt—it’s about truth, healing, and responsibility. It’s a chance to honor resilience and envision a future built on respect and justice.

Events

We invite everyone to wear red and join the Office of the Vice Dean Indigenous Health at the SaskTel Centre on September 29 at 12 pm for the Every Child Matters Pow Wow hosted by the Saskatoon Tribal Council. 

Every Child Matters Pow Wow 2025 - Saskatoon Tribal Council  

There are lots of local events throughout Saskatchewan. Below is a list of just a few.  

USask Campus:  

  • Starting Monday, September 22, wear an orange shirt for the week as a message to yourself and others that you are committed to taking action 
  • The 8th annual māmowi āsohtētān Internal Truth and Reconciliation Forum will be held on Friday, September 26
  • This event is sponsored by the Office of the Vice-Provost Indigenous Engagement (OVPIE) and facilitated by the Mistatimōk Committee, this annual event is a response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action and provides an opportunity to gather and to constructively and respectfully dialogue and plan for the university environment we need and want. Join us and learn about the Decade of Indigenous Languages and Reflect back on 10 years since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was released. Register today.   
  • For a full list of events, please visit the OVPIE webpage  

In Saskatoon:  

  •  Wanuskewin is hosting a Truth and Reconciliation Gathering on September 30 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, with drop in programming and special events throughout the day. Please visit their website for more information.  
  • Take the Know Your Roots Walking Tour: The Know Your Roots walking tour was developed by the Walk for Reconciliation organizing committee, who wanted to highlight places around our city that relate to the process of reconciliation. A walking tour booklet is available.  
  • Every Child Matters Pow Wow: The Saskatoon Tribal Council is hosting a powwow on September 29 and 30 at SaskTel Centre. No cost to attend.  
    • Reconciliation Saskatoon has information on their ConnectR website on what you need to know about attending a powwow and a list of websites that share powwow event information.  

In Regina: 

  • Orange Shirt Day Walk and BBQ: Hosted by Reconciliation Regina on September 30, 8:30 am to 1:00pm, at mâmawêyatitân centre, 3355 6th Avenue, Regina.  

  • Honour Walk and Awareness Event: Hosted by the Circle Project on September 30, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, at Victoria park, 2190 Victoria Ave, Regina. 

  • Join author Lisa Bird-Wilson, author of Probably Ruby and The Red Files, at the Regina Public Library on September 30 at 12 noon, to honour survivors and commit to meaningful and lasting reconciliation. No registration is required. You can also watch the event live: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pj2Y0Q2q2LM.  

  • Visit the Mackenzie Art Gallery, 3475 Albert Street, on September 30 for a day of reflection from 11:00 am to 5:30 pm. Admission is free with a special family art activity in the Learning Centre to honour National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Visit the event site to book your ticket for the day. 

In Prince Albert: 

  • The Prince Albert Historical Museum invites you to wear orange on September 30 and join them in support for the survivors of residential schools and the children who didn’t come home. Free admission from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. 

  • Prince Albert Grand Council invites you to join them September 30, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, at the When Time Heals – Every Child Matters event at the PAGC Cultural Centre, 1511 9th Avenue West. Pow wow dancer demos, guest speakers, mini round dance, and lunch provided. “Let us come together to say: Every story matters. Every voice matters. Every child matters.” 

Virtual Events: 

  • The National Centre of Truth and Reconciliation is hosting Lunch and Learns from September 22 to 26 that are free and open to the public (aimed at an adult audience). All sessions will have simultaneous English-French, and ASL interpretation. 

Resources for self-guided learning 

There are many self-guided resources available to learn about Indigenous histories, and the origins of Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Below are a few options. 

Reading: 

Short Videos 

Documentaries 

Other: 

Check out the USask Library’s list of Indigenous Films and Filmmakers. 

Support for Residential School Survivors is available. 

  • National Indian Residential School Crisis Line (24-hour crisis support): 1-866-925-4419 
  • Hope for Wellness Help Line (24-hour support for all Indigenous people): 1-855-242-3310 
  • Also available for online chat: https://www.hopeforwellness.ca