National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

The Division of Social Accountability invites all members of the College of Medicine community to observe Canada's National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30.

This important day honours the children who never returned home from residential schools, as well as Survivors, their families, and communities. This day is also recognized as Orange Shirt Day, inspired by the story of Phyllis Webstad, whose orange shirt was taken from her on her first day at residential school. Her experience has become a powerful symbol of the loss of culture, identity, and dignity experienced by Indigenous children through the residential school system.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation responds to Call to Action 80 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, which called for a national statutory holiday to recognize the enduring impacts of residential schools and support ongoing reconciliation.

This day encourages all Canadians to learn about the truths of our shared history, acknowledge the ongoing effects of colonialism and intergenerational trauma, and commit to meaningful reconciliation through education, reflection, and action.

Learn

Participate

Act

  • Reflect on your own assumptions, biases, and responsibilities in reconciliation.
  • Advocate for Indigenous rights, equity, and well-being.
  • Make reconciliation an ongoing commitment throughout the year.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is not about guilt. It is an opportunity to honour resilience, recognize truth, support healing, and help build a future founded on respect, justice, and meaningful relationships.

Events

On Campus

  • The Office of the Vice-Provost Indigenous Engagement calls on the campus community to participate in a Week of Reflection leading up to September 30. Events, programming, and resources are available on their website.
  • Orange Shirt Week beginning Monday, September 28, 2026.

Melfort

Moose Jaw

North Battleford

Prince Albert

Regina

  • Have You Seen nikosis? -- Teaser
    • Saturday, September 19
  • Annual Smudge Walk hosted by First Nations University of Canada
    • Thursday, September 24
    • 9 am Pipe Ceremony, 10:15 am Program, 11:15 am Smudge Walk, 12 noon Community Lunch
  • Check out the Regina Public Library for resources, reads, and a screening of Meadowlarks on Thursday, September 24
  • Community Event for Orange Shirt Day at the mâmawêyatitân centre.
    • Wednesday, September 30
    • 8:30 am Pipe Ceremony, 10 am Program, 12:30 pm Lunch
  • Community Feast hosted by the RIIS Commemorative Association
    • Wednesday, September 30
    • 11 am Pipe Ceremony, Feast to follow

Saskatoon

Swift Current

Yorkton

  • Orange Shirt Day event hosted by Yorkton Tribal Council
    • Wednesday, September 30
    • 9 am to 3 pm

Virtual Presentations

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation will host a series of free public Lunch and Learn sessions during the week of September 21-25, 2026.

Continued Learning

Consider exploring resources from:

Support Resources

Support is available for Residential School Survivors, families, and communities:

National Indian Residential School Crisis Line
 1-866-925-4419

Hope for Wellness Help Line
 1-855-242-3310
 Online chat: hopeforwellness.ca

Together, let us honour Survivors, remember the children who never came home, and continue the work of truth, reconciliation, and meaningful change.