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National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day

September 30 is Orange Shirt Day and, as of 2021, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

It's a day for:

  • Education and reflection on Canada's involvement in the former residential school system. 

  • Recognition, remembrance and respect for the survivors of residential schools. 

  • Understanding the generational impacts residential schools have had—and continue to have—on Indigenous communities.

Reconciliation is an ongoing effort and responsibility for everyone—it requires a commitment to learning about and hearing Indigenous peoples' truths. You can always make a pledge to truth and reconciliation and familiarize yourself with all the self-directed resources that are available to you, all year round. 

Orange Shirt Day T-Shirts

Purchase an orange shirt to show your support.
Purchase an orange shirt - Orange Shirt Day T-Shirts
"Wearing an orange shirt on September 30 is one way to show respect for Indigenous communities while helping to encourage difficult but necessary conversations about Canada’s dark history pertaining to Indian residential day and industrial schools."

-Alyssa McLeod, Indigenous Community Engagement Co-ordinator, Ontario Tech University

There are a number of organizations that you can purchase an orange shirt through to show your support.

Proceeds from shirt sales will help fund community programs. Vendors were selected by Indigenous Education and Cultural Services (check vendor websites for prices, available sizes and order deadlines):

Make a pledge to Truth and Reconciliation

Pledge your commitment and understanding to Truth and Reconciliation.
Pledge options - Make a pledge to Truth and Reconciliation

Self-directed learning resources

Access resources such as ebooks, Indigenous languages learning items, treaties recognition information and more.
Truth and Reconciliation resources - Self-directed learning resources

Pledges by members of the Ontario Tech community

For National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, I pledge to:

  • Acknowledge the strengths within Indigenous communities, cultures and ways of knowing, as I learn and share through writing and research. 

  • Actively encourage others to learn more and contribute to reconciliation efforts. 

  • Advocate for systemic change, and ongoing support for Indigenous students and staff.

  • Better understand the role I play in truth and reconciliation, and also the role that my ancestors played in the oppression of Indigenous peoples. 

  • Empower Indigenous voices and prioritize representation in my classroom. 

  • Encourage the sharing of Indigenous history and ways of knowing to help create a path forward for truth and reconciliation.

  • Examine the privileges I hold and find ways to use them to work in solidarity with Indigenous peoples. 

  • Learn more about my Indigenous heritage while finding intentional ways to integrate Indigenous voices and education into my classroom.

  • Listen and unlearn; amplify Indigenous voices as an ally on all days throughout the year. 

  • Support Indigenous businesses through buying art, clothing, etc.