The Survivor's Flag graphic is from TRC; made by contributing Residential School Survivors https://nctr.ca/exhibits/survivors-flag/

Header Image: The Survivor's Flag graphic is from the NCTR; made by 32+ contributing residential school Survivors https://nctr.ca/exhibits/survivors-flag/

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is coming up on September 30. It is the day’s third year of national recognition, but this year marks a decade since the beginning of the coinciding Orange Shirt Day. 

We’d like to highlight the growth in observance of September 30 as a day of remembrance, recognition, action, resilience, and commemoration. Founded by Phyllis Jack Webstad, Northern Secwepemc author from the Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation, and aligning with the work done by the Truth and Reconciliation Commision since 2009, Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation have grown to include weeks before and after dedicated to education, support, and observances related to the TRC calls to action and principles behind Orange Shirt Day. 

For Firelight, following the lead of the Nations we work with, this day of remembrance is an important moment to mark and recognize the impacts of Residential Schools and ongoing child apprehension for Indigenous Nations. We uphold the immense work done by individuals and leadership within the Nations to bring forward the truth about these genocidal policies and advocate for justice for Indigenous children and families.

Alongside many community-organized events and memorials, there are large national and local observances to take part in, including:

There are also local commemorations and other events across the country. If you are looking to join a community based observance of the day there are likely to be a number held near you. Here are some local/community led events near our offices:

Vancouver

Victoria 

Edmonton

Toronto 

Where to Get An Orange Shirt 

If you have yet to purchase an orange shirt to wear in observance of the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, here are some places you can find one designed and sold by Indigenous artists and vendors. 

🧡 Resist Clothing https://resistclothing.ca/

🧡 Bear Horne https://victoriaorangeshirtday.com/our-store/

🧡 KC Hall for UNYA https://www.makevancouver.com/

🧡 Chantelle Trainor-Matties https://leadingedgepromo 

🧡 Naokah https://naokahdesigns.com/pages/about-us 

🧡 Anishinaabe Bimishimo https://anishinaabebimishimo.ca/orange-shirt-campaign/ 

🧡 Awasis Boutique https://awasisboutique.ca/

National recognition is a part of truth-telling, and observing this day is just one of many steps that need to be taken towards justice for the children who survived and did not survive Residential Schools. We stand with the Nations and communities observing this day of remembrance to honour the children and stand for justice.

Sources of Support for Indigenous Peoples