National Day For Truth And Reconciliation

Supriya Jain
Dec 22, 2023 By Supriya Jain
Originally Published on Mar 18, 2022
Fact-checked by Shruti Thapa
National Day For Truth And Reconciliation is also known as Orange Shirt Day in local communities.

Where is National Day For Truth And Reconciliation observed?

National Day For Truth And Reconciliation is observed in Canada to commemorate the children who were a part of the residential school and celebrate those who survived that dark chapter.

Who is National Day For Truth And Reconciliation observed by?

National Day For Truth And Reconciliation Day is observed by the people and the government of Canada to honor the children who died due to the harshness of the residential schools. National Day For Truth And Reconciliation Day is celebrated to honor the lives lost at the Shubenacadie Residential School and all the others across Turtle Island.

The day was constituted on the report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

When did National Day For Truth And Reconciliation Day first start?

National Day For Truth And Reconciliation Day started in 2013, and in 2021, it was announced as a statutory holiday by the federal government. National Day For Truth And Reconciliation Day is also known as the Orange Shirt Day, which is an unofficial day in memory of a piece of clothing worn by Phyllis Webstad at the residential school.

The orange shirt was taken from her on the first day at a residential school in the year 1973.

Who started National Day For Truth And Reconciliation Day?

National Day For Truth And Reconciliation Day was started through the legislative amendments made by the Parliament as a day to apologize to the communities of indigenous peoples affected during the era.

History And Timeline

In the last 100 years, more than 150,000 indigenous children have been abducted from their families and are forced to attend church-run residential schools. They all have suffered through physical and mental abuse, malnutrition, and neglect that the authorities cause those children.

Children who are the survivors tell their stories of trauma and suffering. According to the TRC, the total number of survivors was 6,750.

Beginning Of Residential Schools

Around the 1830s, these schools began to establish their need in society.

1830s

Use Of Residential Schools

It is said that 150,000 first nation, Inuit, and Metis Children attended these schools.

1880s

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

This day began as a way to remember the children who died and celebrate who survived these harsh schools.

2013

National Holiday

The federal government introduced a bill that announced it as a national holiday.

2021

First year

It will be the first year to have a holiday on this day and commemorate these historical events.

2022

Traditions And Customs

On National Day For Truth And Reconciliation Day, the traditions are to wear an orange shirt and educate yourself about the largest class action that is taken against the residential schools. Devoting some time to remember these children and their families are also a big part of the day.

National Day For Truth And Reconciliation Day is a holiday because the government wants people to come forward and know more about the history of their country and the dark phase that involved the abduction of 150,000 children and the death of 4,000.

Ways To Observe National Day For Truth And Reconciliation

On National Day For Truth And Reconciliation Day, read about the histories of the survivors and their stories. Take part in the events taking place for the truth and reconciliation day and get help in educating yourself regarding this issue.

You can also take part in the event where people are asked to come and sing songs for the missing kids and celebrate the ones who are living in the country.

Wear an orange shirt as a way to show your support to those families and children who have gone through so much. You can organize educational events in your local community to create awareness on issues affecting National Day For Truth And Reconciliation Day.

Facts And Stats

Orange shirts have played an important role in the celebration of National Day For Truth And Reconciliation Day. Final reports showed that 4,000 children died due to the residential schools and their harsh behaviors. All the data regarding the residential schools were made public by the government in 2015.

Every province in the country commemorates National Day For Truth And Reconciliation Day differently. The celebrations for National Day For Truth And Reconciliation Day might vary slightly across provinces.

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, managed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in its final report, highlighted 94 items that required action. The constitution of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was done as per item 80 on the report to honor the atrocities faced by the communities of indigenous peoples.

What day is National Day For Truth And Reconciliation Day?

National Day For Truth And Reconciliation Day is a day to commemorate the children who died due to the incidents that took place in the residential schools, such as sexual and physical abuse, malnutrition, and neglect.

National Day For Truth And Reconciliation Day is an extremely important day dedicated to the indigenous people who had to face injustices over the years.

Who inspired National Day For Truth And Reconciliation Day?

The unmarked graves of 1,000 children who lost their lives inspired National Day For Truth And Reconciliation Day to come to light as a way to help the Canadian people understand the underlying issue behind the dark phase of their country.

Ever since its inception, National Day For Truth And Reconciliation Day has been celebrated with great enthusiasm every year to raise awareness around the rights of indigenous peoples.

What is the importance of observing a National Day For Truth And Reconciliation Day?

National Day For Truth And Reconciliation Day is an extremely important event in Canada. It is a day to honor the people and children, their families and communities, whose lives were lost during the incident of residential schools, and those who survived all the injustices inflicted on them.

National Day For Truth And Reconciliation Day is an occasion to commemorate the legacy and history of the residential schools as an important step of the reconciling process.

What are some essential things we need to keep in mind while observing the National Day For Truth And Reconciliation?

National Day For Truth And Reconciliation Day is meant to honor the survivors and the victims of the residential school events that took place where children’s lives were lost. This is an extremely sensitive and important topic, having patience and understanding before gibing your stance is important.

During the observations of National Day For Truth And Reconciliation Day, it is important to ensure that the feelings of the indigenous people are not hurt.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Wednesday, September 30, 2020
  • Thursday, September 30, 2021
  • Friday, September 30, 2022
  • Saturday, September 30, 2023
  • Monday, September 30, 2024

We Want Your Photos!
We Want Your Photos!

We Want Your Photos!

Do you have a photo you are happy to share that would improve this article?
Email your photos

More for You

See All

Written by Supriya Jain

Bachelor of Commerce, Master of Business Administration specializing in Marketing

Supriya Jain picture

Supriya JainBachelor of Commerce, Master of Business Administration specializing in Marketing

As a skilled member of the Kidadl team, Shruti brings extensive experience and expertise in professional content writing. With a Bachelor's degree in Commerce from Punjab University and an MBA in Business Administration from IMT Nagpur, Shruti has worked in diverse roles such as sales intern, content writer, executive trainee, and business development consultant. Her exceptional writing skills cover a wide range of areas, including SOP, SEO, B2B/B2C, and academic content.

Read full bio >
Fact-checked by Shruti Thapa

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English

Shruti Thapa picture

Shruti ThapaBachelor of Arts specializing in English

With a passion for American, British, and children's literature, Shruti is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree at Garden City University, Bengaluru. Her fluency in Nepali, Hindi, and Mandarin demonstrates her linguistic abilities and global perspective. In addition to her literary pursuits, she has a keen interest in non-fiction literature, aesthetics, early childhood education, and Egyptian history. Shruti's research paper 'Bringing Art Illustrations In Education And Pop Culture' showcases her proficiency in these areas and her dedication to academic excellence.

Read full bio >