National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
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September 30th is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a federal statutory holiday which gives the public a chance to recognize and reflect on the intergenerational harm that residential schools have caused to Indigenous families and communities, and to honour those who have been affected by this injustice.
In honour of this solemn day, there will be no classes at Saint Mary’s University and administrative offices will be closed.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission - Calls to Action
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation responds to Call to Action 80 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action, which reads:
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.
Orange Shirt Day
September 30th is also Orange Shirt Day.
"The annual Orange Shirt Day on September 30th opens the door to global conversation on all aspects of Residential Schools. It is an opportunity to create meaningful discussion about the effects of Residential Schools and the legacy they have left behind. A discussion all Canadians can tune into and create bridges with each other for reconciliation. A day for survivors to be reaffirmed that they matter, and so do those that have been affected. Every Child Matters, even if they are an adult, from now on."
(Orange Shirt Day website)
Orange Shirt Day invites Canadians to wear orange shirts on September 30th each year to honour survivors of residential schools, their families, and their communities. The Orange Shirt Day website has a page of resources for anyone looking to organize Orange Shirt Day at their school or work.
Learn about events happening at Saint Mary's and in the community for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
This group will be called together once per month as a forum for learning and to discuss a variety of topics about the Calls to Action or various reports/writings about the Calls to Action. Sign up using the TRC Monthly Online Discussion Group form to receive more information in October when this initiative is launched.
These are important opportunities to listen, learn, reflect and inspire meaningful action towards reconciliation.
- Wear an orange t-shirt, pin, or other item purchased from a local Indigenous business, SMU Campus Store or from the Orange Shirt Day online store
- Put effort towards the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, as they apply to your organization, industry, or sector
- Learn the history of the land you live on, or the closest residential schools
- Donate to Indigenous charities
- Request a KAIROS Blanket Exercise for your organization
- Join or host a Circle for Reconciliation
- Read books by Indigenous authors. Check out this list of books and resources curated by the Patrick Power Library
- Review the 94 Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action and commit to at least one
- Watch online events hosted by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
- Attend events hosted by the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre and other local Indigenous-serving organizations
- Sign up for online courses (University of Alberta Indigenous Canada Course for example)
- Encourage friends, colleagues, and others to also commit to actions.
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action
Indspire – Truth and Reconciliation in Post-Secondary Settings: Student Experience
Walking the Talk: A Practical Guide to Reconciliation for CUPE Locals
Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion – Educational Resources on Indigenous Inclusion