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National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

orange shirt logo and drum

What is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation?

In June 2021, the federal government legislated September 30, as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an opportunity to recognize and commemorate the legacy of residential schools, as proposed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada in 2015, which under Action 80 called upon the federal government, in collaboration with Indigenous peoples, to establish a statutory holiday that honours Survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.

What is Orange Shirt Day?

Orange Shirt Day is a day to honour Indigenous children who were sent away to residential school in Canada. Orange Shirt Day challenges Canadians to witness and honour the stories of Survivors and their families, and to commit to meaningful discussion and the ongoing process of reconciliation.   

Activities to Honour
Orange Shirt Day

Nipissing/Canadore 20th Annual Welcome Pow Wow
Friday, September 12, 2025 - Grand Entry 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. by the Pond on the main campus. 
Everyone is welcome and it is a great way to get involved! 

Visiting Grandmother Doreen 
Thursday, September 18, 2025 
10 am - 3 pm in F-215
Soup lunch while supplies last at 12 pm

Powley Day hosted in collaboration with Sarah Tate of MNO 
Friday, September 19, 2025
11 am - 1 pm in F-215
Lunch available while supplies last

Indigenous Student Finance Lunch & Learn hosted in collaboration with NU Student Finance  
Monday, September 22, 2025 

Learning from the Land: Indigenous Teachings and Resources
Free virtual workshop with Sarah-Anne Tourond and Launa Payne (Purcell)
Tuesday, September 23, 2025 

Afternoon Bingo Social 
Thursday, September 25, 2025 

Sunrise Ceremony to observe Orange Shirt Day 
Monday, September 29, 2025 

Indigenous Learning across the Seasons
Free virtual workshop with Director of Indigenous Learning, Jenna Jasek
Tuesday, September 30, 2025 

“Every Child Matters” Flag Raising at City Hall in North Bay
Monday, September 29, at Leger Square, outside City Hall

Every Child Matters Walk
Tuesday, September 30 beginning at 10 a.m. at Lee Park

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Observance of Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Orange Shirt Day at Nipissing University

Members of the Nipissing University community are encouraged to honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation through personal reflection, education and participation in events such as Orange Shirt Day.  

Other Ways to Honour the Day

  • View relevant materials and resources on display at the Learning Library or via the Library's online Indigenous Resources
  • Visit the online resources listed on this page to learn more about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada  
  • Read about the origins of Orange Shirt Day and share this information with your family and friends
  • View one of acclaimed director Alanis Obomsawin's documentary films at https://www.nfb.ca/directors/alanis-obomsawin
  • Wear orange as part of your commitment to reconciliation
  • Reflect

Other Suggested Resources

Honoring National Truth and Reconciliation Day Through Student Creativity

We are proud to share creative works by the students of Dr. Cindy Peltier, created in recognition of National Truth and Reconciliation Day. These poems and digital art pieces reflect their reflections, learning, and voices during this important time. View their work here.

Supports

For those needing support, we encourage you to access the resources listed below:

For Survivors and Their Families

For Students

For Staff and Faculty

Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI) – Resources

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