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National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Last updated on September 24, 2025

September 30, Orange Shirt Day, now also known as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR) is a day for all Canadians to commemorate and learn more about the history and legacy of the residential school system.

It’s a day to honour the strength, dignity and advocacy of survivors and intergenerational survivors,  by learning and talking about Indian Residential Schools and remembering the children who never came home. It's a chance to engage and educate more British Columbians about the history of colonialism and how it has and continues to impact First Nations, Métis and Inuit today. 

Provincial legislation

On March 9, 2023, the Province of British Columbia passed legislation to make September 30 a statutory holiday.

Enshrining National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in B.C. law gives more people the chance to commemorate the history and legacy of the residential school system on September 30 each year. This was done by creating the The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Act.

British Columbia joined the Government of Canada, Prince Edward Island, Manitoba, the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and the Yukon as jurisdictions that have designated September 30 as a statutory day. 

Having a provincial statutory day means eligible B.C. workers are able to observe September 30 with a paid day off or receive payment at premium rates if required to work.

More British Columbians are taking part in the day by:

  • Wearing an orange shirt to show that Every Child Matters
  • Attending local events
  • Reflecting on and learning more about the history and ongoing legacy of residential schools
  • Reading, watching and listening to Indigenous-created content
  • Supporting an Indigenous-owned business
  • Talking to family, friends and coworkers about reconciliation

Everyone is encouraged to seek out opportunities to take part in events wherever possible.

History of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 30 is Orange Shirt Day, a grassroots campaign founded by Phyllis Webstad. Orange Shirt Day grew out of her own experiences and the experiences of other residential school survivors who attended St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School near Williams Lake, B.C. It's a day to honour the healing journeys of residential school survivors and their families and a time to engage in meaningful discussions about the history and legacy of the residential school system. 2025 marks the 12th anniversary of Orange Shirt Day.

Orange Shirt Day has become an important opportunity for dialogue on anti-racism and anti-bullying. This day is meant to also encourage deeper reflection, learning and public dialogue on the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

In June 2021, the Government of Canada passed Bill C-5 to make September 30 a federal statutory day. It is observed as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This directly responds to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #80, which called upon the federal government, in collaboration with Indigenous 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.”

Resources

How to get involved

Many events are happening across B.C. in September to commemorate Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. For the most up-to-date local event details, please check with partners and organizations in your region, including information provided by First Nations, Native Friendship Centres, Métis communities, Indigenous organizations, and municipal and local governments.

2025 Events Listing (PDF, 950KB)

Learning Resources

Learning Resources (PDF, 517KB) educate us about topics such as reconciliation; languages, cultures and heritage of Indigenous Peoples in Canada; the residential school system; effects of colonialism First Nations, Métis and Inuit and more.

Support Services are available

A National Indian Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support for former Residential School students and those affected. Access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-hour national crisis line: 1 866 925-4419.

The KUU-US Crisis Line Society:

  • Crisis services for Indigenous Peoples in B.C. are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, toll-free throughout the Province at 1 800 588-8717
  • Alternatively, individuals can call direct into the Adult/Elders line at 250 723-4050 or the Children/Youth Line at 250 723-2040
  • More information: www.kuu-uscrisisline.com

Métis Crisis Line:

  • A service provided by Métis Nation British Columbia
  • Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, toll-free across the Province at 1 833 638-4722