What is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation?
In June 2021, the federal government legislated September 30, as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an opportunity to recognize and commemorate the legacy of residential schools, as proposed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada in 2015, which under Action 80 called upon the federal government, in collaboration with Indigenous peoples, to establish a statutory holiday that honours Survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.
What is Orange Shirt Day?
Orange Shirt Day is a day to honour Indigenous children who were sent away to residential school in Canada. Orange Shirt Day challenges Canadians to witness and honour the stories of Survivors and their families, and to commit to meaningful discussion and the ongoing process of reconciliation.
Activities to Honour
Orange Shirt Day
Nipissing/Canadore 19th Annual Welcome Pow Wow
September 13, 2024 - Grand Entry 11 a.m.
Everyone is welcome and it is a great way to get involved!
Orange Shirt Day Sunrise Ceremony and Breakfast
September 27, 2024 - 7 a.m. at the Tipi
Breakfast to follow: F215 Office of Indigenous Initiatives
Orange Shirt Day Pop Up Tables and Soccer Game
This is an Indigenous student led initiative. Hosted by Micah MacLeod and supported by OII, orange shirts are available on the following dates/locations. Shirts are free, but donations are welcome.
- September 10, 2024 - 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm (Library)
- September 19, 2024 - 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm (Book Store)
- September 22, 2024 - Time TBD (NU Soccer Game)
- September 24, 2024 - 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm (Library)
Observance of Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Members of the Nipissing University community are encouraged to honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation through personal reflection, education and participation in events such as Orange Shirt Day.
Nipissing University encourages everyone to wear an orange shirt on September 27 to remind us to reflect on the meaning of this day and to express our shared commitment to reconciliation.
Other Ways to Honour the Day
- View relevant materials and resources on display at the Learning Library or via the Library's online Indigenous Resources
- Visit the online resources listed on this page to learn more about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
- Read about the origins of Orange Shirt Day and share this information with your family and friends
- View one of acclaimed director Alanis Obomsawin's documentary films at https://www.nfb.ca/directors/alanis-obomsawin
- Wear orange as part of your commitment to reconciliation
- Reflect
Other Suggested Resources
- United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
- 21 Things You May Not Have Known About The Indian Act (ictinc.ca)
- Murray Sinclair delivers statement on discovery at Kamloops residential school | CBC.ca
- Read Universities Canada’s 2020 report, Empowering Indigenous students and advancing reconciliation
Supports
For those needing support, we encourage you to access the resources listed below:
For Survivors and Their Families
- Indian Residential School Survivors Society
Toll-Free Line 1 (800) 721-0066 - National Survivors Crisis Line at 1 (866) 925-4419
- Talk4Healing
- North Bay Indigenous Hub (giiwednomshkikiiwgamig.ca) (705) 995-0060
- Canadian Mental Health Association1 (800) 555-8222
- First Nations Health Authority – Mental Health Benefit
- Kids Help Phone1 (800) 668-6868
- Crisis Services Canada 1 (833) 456-4566 or text 45645
- First Nations & Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line 1 (855) 242-3310
For Students
- Mental Health & Wellbeing
- Dibaadan Counsellor
- North Bay Regional Health Centre Crisis Intervention Team – 1-800-352-1141
- Good2Talk Helpline – 1-866-925-5454
For Staff and Faculty
- Humanacare – Employee Assistance Program
Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI) – Resources
- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Day - Commemorative Guide 2024
- CCDI Educational guide: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation / Orange Shirt Day
- CCDI Educational guide: Indigenous inclusion
- CCDI Webinar: Reconciliation: Sisters on the path
- CCDI Webinar: Moving from reconciliation to reconciliACTION: Engaging and supporting Indigenous communities
Live Webinar
- CCDI Webinar: Pathways towards truth and reconciliation – Panel conversation
– September 26, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET. NOTE: This webinar is 90 minutes in length.