What the Day Means in Canada
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a Canadian observance dedicated to honouring the survivors of the residential school system, their families, and their communities, and to remembering the children who never returned home. It is also intended to promote public awareness of the history and ongoing legacy of residential schools as part of the broader process of reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada.
The day is often described as an occasion for reflection, learning, and commemoration rather than celebration in the festive sense. Many Canadians treat it as a time to listen to Indigenous voices, educate themselves about this history, and consider the responsibilities of reconciliation.
Origins in Canada
The observance is closely tied to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC), which documented the history and impacts of the residential school system and issued Calls to Action. Call to Action 80 called for a statutory holiday to honour survivors, their families, and communities, and to ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.
The federal government established the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, beginning in 2021. It applies to federally regulated workplaces and the federal public service. Because it is a federal statutory day rather than a nationwide statutory holiday across all jurisdictions, its recognition varies by province and territory, which is why it is often described as a regional or partially observed holiday.
September 30 was chosen in part because it coincides with Orange Shirt Day, an Indigenous-led grassroots commemoration that grew out of the story of Phyllis Webstad, a residential school survivor whose new orange shirt was taken from her on her first day at school. Orange Shirt Day had already been observed in many communities before the federal holiday was created.
Customs and Traditions
- Wearing orange: The most widespread custom is wearing an orange shirt to honour survivors and to signal that every child matters. This practice comes directly from Orange Shirt Day.
- Moment of silence and reflection: Many workplaces, schools, and community gatherings observe a moment of silence or a period of reflection, often at a set time during the day.
- Learning and education: Schools, libraries, museums, and workplaces commonly hold educational events, readings, film screenings, panel discussions, and workshops focused on residential school history and reconciliation.
- Listening to survivors: Public events frequently centre survivor testimony and Indigenous-led presentations, with an emphasis on listening rather than speaking.
- Commemorative walks and gatherings: Community walks, ceremonies, and gatherings are held in many cities and towns, often organized by Indigenous organizations and local governments.
Food and Drink
The day does not have a widely established set of traditional foods or drinks comparable to major holidays. Where food is part of the observance, it is typically connected to community gatherings and Indigenous cultural practices rather than to a fixed national menu. Some events include community meals, feasts, or the sharing of Indigenous foods as part of cultural programming, but these vary by community and organizer. Because no single culinary tradition is attached to the day, descriptions of food should be treated as local and event-specific rather than standard.
Religious and Civic Observances
- Civic recognition: Federal buildings and many provincial, territorial, and municipal institutions lower flags to half-mast and display commemorative materials. Government leaders and officials issue statements and participate in events.
- Public institutions: Schools, universities, libraries, museums, and galleries often mark the day with special programming, exhibits, and educational resources.
- Faith communities: Some churches and religious organizations hold services or reflections acknowledging the role of religious institutions in the residential school system and expressing commitment to reconciliation. These observances are organized locally and are not uniform across the country.
- Workplace observance: In federally regulated workplaces and the federal public service, the day is a statutory holiday. Some employers offer time for reflection, learning sessions, or community participation.
Public Festivities and Tone
The tone of the day is generally solemn and reflective rather than celebratory. Public events tend to emphasize commemoration, education, and solidarity with survivors and Indigenous communities. Typical activities include memorial ceremonies, survivor-led talks, art installations, and community gatherings. While some events include music, dance, or cultural performances by Indigenous artists, these are usually framed as expressions of culture, resilience, and remembrance rather than as festivities in the conventional holiday sense.
Regional Variations
Because the day is a federal statutory holiday rather than a uniform nationwide statutory holiday, its observance differs across the country:
- Federal jurisdiction: The day is a statutory holiday for federally regulated employees and the federal public service.
- Provinces and territories: Some provinces and territories have made September 30 a statutory holiday, while others recognize it as a day of observance without statutory holiday status. As a result, whether schools, businesses, and government offices close varies by jurisdiction.
- Municipal and community variation: Local governments, school boards, Indigenous organizations, and community groups organize their own events, so the scale and nature of observances differ from place to place.
- Indigenous-led observances: Many events are led or co-led by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, and these may reflect local cultural protocols and priorities.
Key Points to Remember
- The day is observed on September 30, beginning in 2021 at the federal level.
- It honours residential school survivors, their families, and communities, and commemorates the children who did not return home.
- It originates from TRC Call to Action 80 and is closely linked to Orange Shirt Day.
- Wearing orange is the most recognizable custom.
- Observances are typically solemn and educational, centred on reflection, learning, and listening to survivors.
- Recognition varies by province and territory, making it a partially regional holiday across Canada.