Stories

2026 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 2026

This upcoming Wednesday (September 30) is Orange Shirt Day, also known as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It is a day to honour residential school survivors and the children who never made it home.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a day to honour residential school survivors and the children who never made it home. (Background photo by EmilyNorton via Canva).

What are you doing for Truth and Reconciliation Day?

This is not simply history. The impacts of residential schools continue to be felt today, across families, communities and generations.

For non-Indigenous people, we encourage you to participate in a local event, listen to Indigenous voices, and learn about the history and ongoing impacts of residential schools. Consider what meaningful action you can take to support reconciliation and Indigenous sovereignty in the lands where you live and work.

Wearing orange is one way to show that we remember. But reconciliation asks us to go further — to listen, learn, and act. Not just on September 30, but throughout the year.

Here are some resources to get started

Find a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation event happening near you. On your preferred search engine, look up “Orange Shirt Day [your location]” or “National Day for Truth and Reconciliation [your location]”.

Options if you’re unable to attend an in-person event:

Explore the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation website. Learn about the history and legacy of residential schools through survivor accounts, archival materials, and educational resources.
Watch Indigenous-led programming on September 30 through APTN (Aboriginal Peoples Television Network) or CBC.
Explore Orange Shirt Day resources, including videos and activities for teachers.