by Alaine Chelsea Nagamos
Every year on September 30th, communities across Canada come together to recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day.
You’ve probably seen people wearing orange, heard “Every Child Matters,” or noticed events happening around campus. But what is the day really about?
Let’s take a moment to learn, reflect, and understand why September 30th matters.
Why September 30th?
September 30th is a day to honour Residential School Survivors, their families and communities, and the children who never returned home.
For generations, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children were forcibly taken from their families and communities and sent to residential schools. The system caused deep and lasting harm, including the loss of language, culture, family connections, and identity.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was created in response to Call to Action 80 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, which called for a day to honour Survivors, their families and communities, and the children who never returned home.
So, What’s Orange Shirt Day?
Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led, Survivor-founded movement that started in 2013. It was inspired by Phyllis Webstad, a residential school Survivor from Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation.
When Phyllis was six years old, her grandmother bought her a new orange shirt for her first day at a residential school. When she arrived, the shirt was taken away from her.
Her story became the inspiration for Orange Shirt Day and its message: Every Child Matters. Today, the orange shirt represents the loss of identity, culture, and belonging experienced by many Indigenous children who were forced to attend residential schools.
Wearing Orange is just the beginning.
Wearing orange on September 30th is one way to show that you remember and that you’re taking the time to learn. But you don’t have to stop there.
September 30th is also an opportunity to listen, learn, and reflect on the history of residential schools and their ongoing impacts on Indigenous communities.
You don’t need to know everything. Start where you are, stay curious, and keep learning.
How can students take part?
There’s no right way to recognize September 30th Here are a few places to start:
Learn Something New
Take some time to learn about residential schools and the experiences of Survivors and their families.
The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation has resources to help you learn more.
Explore resources from the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
Listen to Indigenous Voices
Check out books, podcasts, films, talks, and other resources created by Indigenous authors, artists, educators, and communities.
Hearing directly from Indigenous voices can help us better understand their histories, cultures, and experiences.
Find an event
Many communities hold gatherings, ceremonies, talks, and other events around September 30th.
Check out local Indigenous organizations and communities to see what’s happening near you
Explore National Day for Truth and Reconciliation events here
Keep the Conversation Going
As Centennial students, we’re part of a community made up of people from different cultures, backgrounds, and experiences.
Taking the time to learn about Indigenous histories, cultures, and experiences is one small way to help create a community built on respect, understanding and connection.
So, this September 30th, whether you wear orange, attend an event, or simply spend some time learning, take a moment to remember why the day matters.
And remember:
Every Child Matters.
