September 30th is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day,—a day for public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools.

The day honours the children who never returned home and survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities.

Orange Shirt Day grew out of the experiences of Phyllis Webstad and the experiences of other residential school survivors from St. Joseph’s Mission near Williams Lake. The day became an important opportunity to open dialogues on anti-racism and anti-bullying, as well as encouraging deeper reflection, learning and public dialogue on the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

In 2022, the Province of British Columbia has advised that September 30 should be observed as a statutory day of remembrance. A day to participate in events, to publicly acknowledge the history of the residential school system, and to commit to furthering our understanding of how these institutions continue to impact Indigenous communities.

Please take some time on this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to personally commemorate and reflect on the meaning of this day.

Here are some local events in B.C. which may offer some healing, reflection or simply outlets for expression and community gathering:

IRSSS Fundraiser: Dakota Bear / JB The First Lady / Hayley Wallis

Truth & Reconciliation Day: Indigenous Movie Marathon

Gathering Hope

Write to Heal

Generations of Women and Water

Honouring our Children - For Parents and Caregivers of Indigenous Children

Transgressing White Academic Entitlement

Indigenous Disability and Wellness Gathering