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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

Honouring of Orange Day with the Women’s Varsity Soccer Team
September 24, 2023 - 11:30 am to 4:00 pm
RJ Surtees Athletic field

Orange Shirt Day Breakfast
September 28, 2023 -  9:30 am 
F215 Office of Indigenous Initiatives

Diibaadan Orange Shirt Day Handcraft
September 28, 2023 - 1:30 pm
F215 Office of Indigenous Initiatives

Orange Shirt Day Gathering with Elder Mike Couchie
September 28, 2023 - 3:00 pm
At the tipi

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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. 

The Office of Indigenous Initiatives encourages everyone to wear an orange shirt from September 28 to 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 have a limited number of shirts available for students to pick up on the morning of September 28 in F215. 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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