At Pathways Executive Search, we recognize and honour September 30, a day that holds deep significance for Indigenous communities and for all Canadians. Since June 2021, this date has been officially recognized as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which coincides with Orange Shirt Day. These occasions remind us of the individual, family, and community impacts of the Indian Residential School system, and they serve as a call to action in the ongoing reconciliation process.
This federal statutory holiday was established in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #80, which calls on the Canadian government to commemorate the legacy of residential schools and to honour Survivors, their families, and communities.
On this day, we collectively honour the lost children, Survivors, and their families, while acknowledging the enduring pain and intergenerational trauma caused by Canada’s residential school legacy.
Wearing orange remains a powerful symbol, one that originated from Phyllis Webstad’s experience as a Survivor. Her story, in which a new orange shirt was taken from her on her first day at St. Joseph Mission Residential School, represents the loss faced by many Indigenous children – loss of language, culture, and even lives.
What can you do?
How to Get Involved:
- Wear an orange shirt on September 30 to show your support.
- Learn whose land you live, work, and play on. To find out more about the Indigenous Nations and communities on whose territory your home or business is situated, visit: https://www.whose.land/en/ - here, you can also learn more about land acknowledgements and the treaties and agreements signed across Canada.
- Attend or organize an online or in-person event. Across Canada, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day events will be held in cities, communities, and organizations from coast-to-coast-to-coast. Be sure to check with local organizations and partners for specific event details in your region.
- Read reports such as the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada or explore literature on residential schools.
- Support Indigenous media; watch documentaries and films that share Survivors’ experiences or read the stories of Indigenous authors and knowledge-keepers.
- Continue to learn about First Nations, Métis, and Inuit cultures, their legacies, and their ongoing contributions to society.
To find out more about First Nations, Inuit and Métis-led virtual activities, please visit the official pages for National Indigenous Organizations:
Although September 30th is the official, commemorative day of reflection, it is important to hold and carry these thoughts and reflections with you each day. Reconciliation is an ongoing process rooted in action, both for us as individuals and as members of our communities. It’s time to listen, learn, reflect, support, and use our positions and privileges to act.
Together, we can continue to learn, reflect, and act toward a future grounded in reconciliation.
Mental health supports available
Former residential school students can call the National Residential School Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419 for emotional crisis referral services and information on other health supports.
Indigenous peoples across Canada can also go to The Hope for Wellness Help Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for counselling and crisis intervention. Call the toll-free Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat.
Written by: Saxon Miller, Consultant