Ontario marked the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day on September 30, honoring survivors of Canada’s residential school system and remembering the Indigenous children who never returned home.
Premier Doug Ford and Greg Rickford, Ontario’s Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation, issued a joint statement recognizing the day and emphasizing the importance of remembrance, education and community-led healing.
Ontario Honors Residential School Survivors
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is observed annually across Canada on September 30. The day provides an opportunity to recognize the experiences of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people affected by the residential school system and to remember children who died or never returned to their families.
Ford and Rickford noted that the history of residential schools remains relatively recent in Canada, with the country’s last Indian Residential School closing only 30 years ago.
“Today, we observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, to honour the Survivors of the residential school system and remember the children who never returned home. While some might think of residential schools as distant history, Canada’s last Indian Residential School only closed 30 years ago.”
Orange Shirt Day Recognizes the Story of Phyllis Webstad
September 30 also marks Orange Shirt Day, which grew from the experience of Phyllis Webstad, a residential school survivor whose orange shirt was taken from her when she arrived at a residential school as a child.
Her story has become an important symbol of the experiences of Indigenous children who were separated from their families, communities and cultures through the residential school system.
“We also recognize Orange Shirt Day, inspired by the powerful story of Phyllis Webstad. Her courage reminds us of the profound loss endured by Indigenous children and our duty to ensure their experiences are never forgotten.”
Ontario Highlights Community-Led Healing Programs
The Ontario government said it continues to support Indigenous communities through initiatives intended to advance healing, education and commemoration.
Among those efforts is the Indian Residential School Community Engagement Fund, which supports community-led activities related to residential schools and their lasting impacts.
“Our government continues to support community-led healing and commemoration through programs like the Indian Residential School Community Engagement Fund. By listening to and learning from Survivors, we can build a path forward rooted in mutual respect, awareness and action.”
The province said the work is intended to ensure survivors and Indigenous communities remain central to efforts addressing the legacy of the residential school system.
Government Buildings Illuminated in Orange
To commemorate the occasion, government buildings across Ontario were illuminated in orange. The displays were intended to honor residential school survivors and remember the children who never returned home.
Orange has become widely associated with remembrance and reconciliation in Canada through the Orange Shirt Day movement.
“Across the province, we are lighting government buildings in orange to remember the children and honour Survivors. On this year’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, let us take time to learn, reflect and work together to build a better future for everyone.”
The September 30 observance serves as an annual opportunity for people across Ontario and Canada to learn about the residential school system, reflect on its continuing effects and recognize survivors, their families and Indigenous communities.