National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: Sept. 30
Sept. 30 is a day to remember the children who never returned home from residential schools, honour survivors and make space for the voices of Indigenous Peoples.
On Sept. 30, Federal Retirees joins people across Canada in marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
On Sept. 30, the National Association of Federal Retirees joins people across Canada in marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day.
This day honours the children who never returned home from residential schools, survivors, and their families and communities. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the lasting and intergenerational effects of the residential school system on First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. Since 2021, it has been recognized as a federal statutory holiday, observed by the public service.
We encourage our members, volunteers and supporters to make space for the voices and experiences of survivors and Indigenous Peoples, wear orange in recognition of Orange Shirt Day and consider how each of us can contribute to the ongoing work of reconciliation. Canadians can also join Remembering the Children, the national commemorative gathering on Parliament Hill, in person or through the live broadcast.
Participate and learn more
- Watch Remembering the Children, the national commemorative gathering presented by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, beginning at 12 p.m. ET on Sept. 30.
- Take the Reconciling History Walking Tour in person or virtually to explore the history of residential schools.
- Learn more about reconciliation through educational resources from the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.
- Find information and tools through the Government of Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation resources.
Anyone affected by the residential school system can access support 24 hours a day through the National Indian Residential School Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419.