Friday, September 30th
Orange Shirt Day takes place annually on September 30th. It is a legacy of the St. Joseph Mission residential school commemoration event held in Williams Lake, BC, Canada, in the spring of 2013. It grew out of Phyllis’ story of having her new orange shirt taken away on her first day of school at the Mission, and it acknowledges the history and legacy of the residential school system in Canada by honouring survivors and remembering those who did not.
It is a day to demonstrate, by wearing orange, that all children matter and that we are committed to the ongoing process of reconciliation.
Students and staff are encouraged to wear an orange shirt or other item on Friday, September 30th.
For more information, visit orangeshirtday.org and the TDSB website.
September 30th also marks the second annual National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, a federal statutory holiday. The TDSB recognizes the legacy of Canada’s residential school system and continues to learn the many truths of these institutions.
We honour First Nations, Métis, and Inuit children and communities impacted by this system. During Truth and Reconciliation Week, September 26 to 30, we encourage schools to participate in events offered by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. Visit the Urban Indigenous Education Centre’s National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. for learning resources and events. Check out the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation poster with additional information here.
