Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Content/Trigger Warning
For Indigenous staff, students and/or faculty impacted by Residential Schools and related intergenerational trauma, immediate mental health support is available through the National Residential School Crisis Line at 1.866.925.4419 and the Hope for Wellness Helpline at 1.855.242.3310.
Tuesday, September 30 is Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
It's a day for:
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Education and reflection on Canada's involvement in the former residential school system.
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Recognition, remembrance and respect for the survivors of residential schools.
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Understanding the generational impacts residential schools have had—and continue to have—on Indigenous communities.
Bordessa Hall and Shawenjigewining Hall will be lit up with orange lights on September 30 in recognition and support.
The university is committed to providing resources, initiatives and programming to engage in learning and calls to action to advance Canada's Truth and Reconciliation process:
Orange Shirt Day T-shirts
Purchase an orange shirt to show your support.
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):
You can also purchase a t-shirt from the Ontario Tech Campus Store.
Moose Hide Campaign Webinar
Monday, September 22 at 1 p.m.
Virtual
It's been ten years since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission released its Final Report and 94 Calls to Action. This webinar offers space to reflect on the progress made, the challenges that remain and the journey that lies ahead.
This session welcomes Elder Barb Ward-Burkitt, Executive Director of the Prince George Native Friendship Centre, and Raven Lacerte, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Moose Hide Campaign. Together, they will share reflections about the ongoing journey of reconciliation in Canada, offering wisdom, truth and hope for the collective path forward.
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
September 22 to 26
Virtual via Zoom | Streamed to YouTube
These lunch and learns are public and aimed at an adult audience. Each day, you'll hear from expert speakers through a presentation, then have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A period.
Program overview:
- Surviving the Residential School system.
- Uncovering the truth: Ground searches
- The ongoing legacy of the Residential School system through child welfare.
- Reflecting on the TRC's calls to action 10 years later.
- Confronting Residential School denialism.
Sunrise Ceremony
Wednesday, September 24 from 6:30 to 8 a.m.
Windfields Farms (285 Britannia Ave W, Oshawa, ON L1H 7K4)
You're invited to attend the Sunrise Ceremony, a meaningful morning of ceremony, prayer and traditional teachings as we honour the Fall Equinox. This gathering provides space to deepen Indigenous awareness and reflect on our collective journey toward truth and reconciliation.
Join us for breakfast afterward in the First Peoples' Indigenous Centre at DC.
Silent No More
Thursday, September 25 at 12:30 p.m.
Virtual via Zoom
Indigenous Education and Cultural Services has secured 50 passes for the former Mohawk Institute Residential School virtual tour.
This tour gives the history of the institution over its 140-year history. You'll get to see different rooms inside and hear interviews from five survivors.
Space is limited—register as soon as possible.
Sugarcane Film Screening
Wednesday, October 1 | 6 to 9 p.m.
Regent Theatre
This free screening is being hosted by Dr. Rebecca Lazarenko and Dr. Zeina Kish from the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities at the Regent Theatre. The film follows the Williams Lake First Nation’s community-led investigation of the Saint Joseph Indian residential school in British Columbia. Light refreshments will be provided and the Regent Theatre concession stand will be open for purchases.
The evening will include an introduction of the documentary by Julian Brave NoiseCat and a screening of the film, and will conclude with a sharing circle at the Baagwatig Indigenous Student Centre.
Not-for-profit Indigenous Organizations
Indigenous Vendors
Indigenous owned businesses and vendors
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Minisi Convenience and Gift | 21800 Island Road, Port Perry