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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

International Learning Session: Alienation and Reconciliation
September 16, 2022 - 8:30 am to 10:30 am
Zoom video conference

Film Screening: Indian Horse
September 26-30, 2022
Indian Horse Feature Film

Student and Staff Sharing Circle with Elder Mike Couchie
September 27, 2022 -1:00 pm
At the Tipi

Film Screenings: Biidaajwan Force of Water, Beans, Hunt for the Wilderpeople
September 28, 2022
- 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
A252C Teaching Hub - Sandbox

Indian Horse Post Screening: In dialogue with Edna Manitowabi and Roger Chum
September 29, 2022 - 6:00 pm
F213 Theatre

Indigenous Student Sharing Circle with Elder Mike Couchie
September 29, 2022
- 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm
L334 Treaty Learning Centre

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

Orange Shirt Day group photo

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. In recognition of this day of mourning and remembrance, all remote and in-person classes at Nipissing University will be cancelled, and employees will not be required to report to work.   

The Office of Indigenous Initiatives encourages everyone to wear an orange shirt on September 29 and 30 to remind us to reflect on the meaning of this day and to express our shared commitment to reconciliation. If you do not have an orange shirt, the Office of Indigenous Initiatives will be giving out shirts during the week of September 26 while quantities last. Shirts can also be purchased locally at Supplies for the Soul on Nipissing First Nation, North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre in North Bay, Giant Tiger (proceeds to Indspire) and online at orangeshirtday.org.

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

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

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