09/30/2026
Today is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day.
The symbolism of the orange shirt started with Phyllis Webstad. In 1973, she was six years old, and the new orange shirt her grandmother bought her was taken away on her first day at residential school. The orange shirt now stands for every child who was sent to those schools, the ones who never came home, and the Survivors and families who carry the pain to this day.
If you’re ready to learn more, you can start with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action. They are free to read online, and the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (nctr.ca) shares Survivors’ stories in their own words.
If today brings up hard things for you or someone you love, the National Indian Residential School Crisis Line is open 24/7 at 1-866-925-4419.