September 30 is more than just a date on the calendar — it’s a day to reflect, learn, and take meaningful steps toward reconciliation in Canada. In British Columbia and across the country, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a statutory holiday that invites all Canadians to honour the survivors of residential schools, their families, and the children who never made it home.
This holiday became official in 2021 as part of Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call to Action #80, which urged the federal government to create a public day of commemoration. In 2023, B.C. followed suit, making it a paid holiday under provincial law.
What’s the Connection to Orange Shirt Day?
You might also hear people call September 30 Orange Shirt Day. These two observances happen on the same day and support the same message: “Every Child Matters.” Orange Shirt Day began in 2013, inspired by the story of Phyllis Webstad, a residential school survivor. On her first day of school, the bright orange shirt her grandmother gave her was taken away. That moment became a symbol of how Indigenous identities, languages, and cultures were stripped away by the residential school system.
So no — they are not separate days. They are two parts of the same powerful movement to recognize past injustices and ensure they are never forgotten.
How Can We Honour This Day?
Whether you are an individual, an organization, or a museum, this day is an opportunity to:
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Learn about the history and lasting impacts of residential schools.
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Reflect on Canada’s colonial past and how it still affects Indigenous communities.
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Take Action by supporting Indigenous-led organizations, attending local events, or starting conversations within your community.
If you choose to wear an orange shirt, make sure your purchase supports Indigenous artists or organizations. The Orange Shirt Society’s website provides a list of official vendors: orangeshirtday.org.
Should Museums and Cultural Institutions Stay Open?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some museums may choose to close and give staff the day to participate in community events or self-education. Others might stay open and provide programming focused on Indigenous history and reconciliation.
Whatever you decide, it should be a thoughtful choice that considers your role in your community and your responsibility in supporting Indigenous voices.
September 30 is not just a holiday. It’s a call to remember, to honour, and to act. By acknowledging the painful history of residential schools and supporting healing and learning, we move one step closer to true reconciliation.
To learn more, explore resources like the Indian Residential School Survivors Society or online courses by Nahanee Creative and Home on Native Land. And above all, listen to Indigenous voices — not just on this day, but every day.