National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a day of deep meaning in Canada. Every year, on September 30, Canadians come together to remember and honour the survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. The day isn’t just about looking back—it’s also educating people on a painful part of Canadian history that still affects Indigenous peoples today.
In the 1800s and lasting into the late 1990s, the Canadian government and Christian churches ran residential schools with the goal of assimilating Indigenous children into mainstream society. These schools wrested children away from their families and communities, stripping them of their languages, traditions and identities. Inside the schools, many children faced terrible conditions, including physical, emotional and even sexual abuse. Some were neglected, and many children never returned home. More than 150,000 Indigenous children were forced to attend these schools, leaving behind generational trauma.
Truth and Reconciliation Day is rooted in the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) between 2008 and 2015. The commission gave survivors a platform to share their experiences and documented the damage caused by the residential school system. It also laid out 94 Calls to Action—steps Canada can take to help heal the wounds caused by these schools and rebuild relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
This day is about more than just remembering—it’s about looking at where things stand now. While the residential schools have closed, many Indigenous communities still deal with systemic issues like racism, poverty and poor access to essential services like healthcare and education. Truth and Reconciliation Day encourages all Canadians to reflect on these ongoing challenges and think about how they can support the resilience of Indigenous peoples in today’s world.
A big part of this day is about education. Schools, workplaces and community groups across Canada host events, share resources and engage in conversations about residential schools and their long-lasting impact. One powerful symbol of this movement is “Orange Shirt Day,” which started in 2013.
The origins of Orange Shirt Day come from the story of Phyllis Webstad, a Northern Secwepemc (Shuswap) woman from British Columbia. In 1973, when she was six years old, Phyllis was sent to a residential school. On her first day, she wore a new orange shirt that her grandmother had bought for her. Upon arriving at the school, however, the shirt was taken away and she was forced to wear the school’s uniform. This experience made her feel that her identity and worth didn’t matter, a feeling shared by many residential school survivors.
Orange shirts have since become a symbol of the Indigenous children who were silenced and wearing orange on September 30 shows solidarity with survivors. The message behind it—“Every Child Matters”—reminds everyone that the future must be one where every child is valued.
Although Truth and Reconciliation Day is now a federal holiday, its purpose goes far beyond giving people a day off. It’s a day to have meaningful conversations, listen to Indigenous voices and think deeply about Canada’s history. The government is also called on to take responsibility for its role in the residential school system and to continue working on the Calls to Action—many of which still need to be fulfilled.
In the end, the importance of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation lies in its power to create understanding and healing. It’s an opportunity for Canadians to face the hard truths of the country’s colonial past and work toward a future where Indigenous and non-Indigenous people can live in justice and harmony. Reconciliation is a long journey, but days like this remind everyone that truth and healing are necessary steps toward a better-shared future.
UCW to screen Understanding Indigenous History: A Path Forward
Earlier this year, University Canada West released a six-part series exploring both the history of the First Nations peoples of Canada and ways to find a path forward for Truth and Reconciliation in the country.
Understanding Indigenous History: A Path Forward, produced by University Canada West, is hosted by award-winning Canadian broadcast journalist Lisa LaFlamme and features interviews with prominent First Nations leader Phil Fontaine, who is former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, and internationally recognized human rights expert Kathleen Mahoney, as well as other special guests.
The series explores the oral history of the origins of Indigenous peoples before European settlers arrived on the land that became Canada, treaties and the fur trade, the impact of assimilation, leadership and governance within First Nations communities, Indigenous law and the 94 calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
In recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, UCW is hosting a viewing of Understanding Indigenous History: A Path Forward on October 1 along with a conversation with Indigenous Elder Calvin Swustus for the UCW Community.
Elder Calvin, who has worked with our convocation team for years, is a Knowledge Keeper for the British Columbia First Nation Justice Council, was President of the 2008 North American Indigenous Games and has various portfolio committees, including Cowichan Tribes Treaty, Cowichan Tribes Elder Treaty committee, Cowichan Nation Alliance committee, Child Law Legislation, among others.
The first viewing and conversation will feature The Beginning (Episode 1); an introduction to Indigenous history in Canada and the things left out of Canadian education for decades.
In the afternoon, the viewing and conversation will screen Calls to Action (Episode 6); an episode on how we can move forward in an intentional way, given Canada’s exploitative history with Indigenous peoples.
The Understanding Indigenous History: A Path Forward video series is available to watch in full on YouTube.
