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National Day for Truth and Reconciliation | Orange Shirt Day

This year, EIPS will commemorate Truth and Reconciliation Week Sept. 22-26, 2025 and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025.

In June 2021, the Canadian federal government fulfilled the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #80 by creating a national day of remembrance for children who attended residential schools. September 30 was chosen to co-ordinate with Orange Shirt Day. These two events hold space for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to learn about the history and legacy of residential schools and to reflect on their own personal responsibility in the reconciliation process. It's an opportunity for First Nations, Métis and Inuit; local governments; schools; and communities to come together in the spirit of reconciliation and hope for generations of children to come. As September 30 falls on a school closure day within EIPS, the Division and schools hold commemorative events in late-September prior to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Orange Shirt Day grew out of a gathering of survivors held in Williams Lake, British Columbia in 2013, where Phyllis Webstad, who attended St. Joseph Mission residential school, shared her experience of having her new orange shirt taken on her first day.

EIPS also lowers flags to half-mast on September 30 annually.

 

Additional Resources

The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line is available for former residential school students and includes emotional and crisis referral services. Services are available around the clock and can be accessed by calling 1-866-925-4419.