We call upon the federal government, in collaboration with Aboriginal peoples, to establish, as a statutory holiday, a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honour 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.
Why “Complete?”
June 3, 2021 – Bill C-5 “An Act to amend the Bills of Exchange Act, the Interpretation Act and the Canada Labour Code (National Day for Truth and Reconciliation)” a bill that designates Sept. 30 as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation passed in the Senate and received Royal Assent. The “National Day for Truth and Reconciliation” is also known as Orange Shirt Day which commemorates generations of children who attended residential schools”. (CBC)
Sept. 30, 2022: Although technically complete, the reality is that 7 provinces with 79.9% of the Indigenous population in Canada DO NOT recognize Sept. 30 as a statutory holiday. (Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Québec, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland & Labrador). Only 3 provinces and all three territories have recognized and enacted Sept. 30 as a statutory holiday. (BC, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Yukon)
Current Status
Complete
Call to Action
last updated
September 25, 2023
Latest Updates
What is Orange Shirt Day
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is Saturday. Here’s what you need to know
The federal statutory holiday, coinciding with Orange Shirt Day, commemorates residential school survivors and the children who never returned home. In this file photo, a……
September 25, 2023
Indigenous Commemoration Initiatives
Warrior Walkers begin their journey from Dawson City, Yukon, to Whitehorse
“My pain doesn’t matter when we’re walking for these children,” said one walker The Warrior Walkers left Dawson City, Yukon on Sunday morning and are……
September 25, 2023
Remembering the Children
APTN and NCTR to host national live event “Remembering the Children” on Parliament Hill
NationTalk: TREATY 1 TERRITORY, WINNIPEG, Man. — In honour of the third annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR), APTN, the National Centre for Truth……
September 13, 2023
Remembering the Children
SCO Kicks Off Month-Long ‘Every Child Matters’ Campaign in Support of Reconciliation
NationTalk: ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — Today, the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is launching a month of launching a month of reflection and commemoration,……
September 5, 2023
Remembering the Children
Save the Date: “Remembering the Children” returns to Ottawa for NDTR
NationTalk: TREATY 1 TERRITORY, WINNIPEG, Man. — APTN and the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation will unite once again on September 30 at 1 p.m.……
August 10, 2023
Phyliss Webstad’s Story
New picture book by Orange Shirt Day creator Phyllis Webstad to explore meaning of ‘Every Child Matters’
Every Child Matters will be published on Aug. 8, 2023 Every Child Matters is a picture book by Phyllis Webstad, pictured, and illustrated by Karlene……
June 20, 2023
Govt. Support for National Day
Have your say on the NWT’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
NationTalk: The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is seeking input from Indigenous governments, Indigenous organizations, residential school survivors, including survivors of intergenerational trauma, and……
February 9, 2023
Govt. Support for National Day
B.C. introduces legislation to make national reconciliation day a September statutory holiday
The grand entry takes place during the South Island powwow on National Truth and Reconciliation Day at Royal Athletic Park hosted by the Songhees Nation……
February 7, 2023
Govt. Support for National Day
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on track to become statutory day in the Yukon
Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn has announced the Yukon plans to mark September 30, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, as a statutory day……
October 6, 2022
Govt. Opposition to National Day
B.C. First Nations concerned that Sept. 30 isn’t a provincial statutory holiday
Global News: British Columbia’s First Nations say they’re deeply concerned that B.C. hasn’t made Sept. 30 a statutory provincial holiday. On Friday, the First Nations Leadership……
September 30, 2022