On September 30, join us in recognizing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Thursday, September 26, 2024
A picture of a lake in fall with trees surrounding it. End of image description.
Photo: Robert McCaw

Monday, September 30, marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day honours the victims and survivors of the Canadian residential school system, and is an opportunity to commit to working together to undo Canada’s harmful colonial legacy.

We must all reflect on the history of the residential school system and how its impacts continue to cause harm to this day. It’s our responsibility to understand systemic racism here in Canada, and our role to play in challenging ongoing colonialism.

Also known as Orange Shirt Day, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is commemorated with events all over the country. Please find one near you by searching “Truth and Reconciliation Day Event + (your town or city)” and take some time to show up for residential school survivors and Indigenous communities.

Here are some additional things you can do this weekend:

Support survivors

If you’re in a position to support survivors directly, please make a donation to an organization that supports Residential School Survivors, including:

Read the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada

Please also take some time to familiarize or re-familiarize yourself with the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions' 94 Calls to Action.

Or order the booklet.  (They make excellent gifts!)

Learn whose lands you are on

If you aren’t sure already whose territory you live on, take some time today to find out. Resources to help determine whose land you’re on and which areas are covered by which treaties include:

The Wilderness Committee is in solidarity with all those impacted by the Canadian residential school system, and commits to doing our part to decolonize our work and challenge systemic racism here.