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
Honouring of Orange Day with the Women’s Varsity Soccer Team
September 24, 2023 - 11:30 am to 4:00 pm
RJ Surtees Athletic field
Orange Shirt Day Breakfast
September 28, 2023 - 9:30 am
F215 Office of Indigenous Initiatives
Diibaadan Orange Shirt Day Handcraft
September 28, 2023 - 1:30 pm
F215 Office of Indigenous Initiatives
Orange Shirt Day Gathering with Elder Mike Couchie
September 28, 2023 - 3:00 pm
At the tipi
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.
The Office of Indigenous Initiatives encourages everyone to wear an orange shirt from September 28 to 30 to remind us to reflect on the meaning of this day and to express our shared commitment to reconciliation. If you do not have an orange shirt, the Office of Indigenous Initiatives will have a limited number of shirts available for students to pick up on the morning of September 28 in F215. Shirts can also be purchased locally at Supplies for the Soul on Nipissing First Nation, North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre in North Bay, Giant Tiger (proceeds to Indspire) and online at orangeshirtday.org.
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 - 24-Hour National Crisis Line 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
- Student Counselling Services
- 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