When the Truth and Reconciliation Commission released its Calls to Action nearly a decade ago, the message of reconciliation gained national attention. Canadians were encouraged to reflect on how they might contribute to healing and rebuilding relationships with Indigenous peoples.
Steve Teekens, Executive Director of Native Men’s Residences (Na-Me-Res), recalls one story that stood out. A recently retired non-Indigenous Canadian reached out, wanting to do his part. After downsizing his home, he had extra space and offered to rent it to an Indigenous man from Na-Me-Res who was experiencing homelessness. That stability became the turning point, helping him secure a job and rebuild his life.
Reflecting on the moment, Steve shared: “That’s the most tangible form of reconciliation I’ve ever been a part of or heard of.”
Stories like this remind us that reconciliation is not just about symbolic gestures, it is about real actions that restore dignity, create opportunity, and foster understanding. And on September 30, Canada marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day. It is a day to remember the children who never made it back home from residential schools, honour survivors, and reflect on the importance of both remembrance and action in reconciliation.
Why it Matters: History and Meaning
Acts of reconciliation can take many forms, but to truly understand the significance of this day, we need to look back at the story of Phyllis (Jack) Webstad. At just six years old, Phyllis arrived for her first day at residential school wearing a brand-new orange shirt her grandmother had bought her. The shirt was taken away and never returned. “I didn’t understand why they wouldn’t give it back to me, it was mine! The color orange has always reminded me of that and how my feelings didn’t matter, how no one cared and how I felt like I was worth nothing,” Phyllis later recalled, as shared by the Orange Shirt Society.
Orange Shirt Day began in 2013 to honour the survivors and remember the children who never returned from residential schools. It is a legacy of the St. Joseph Mission Residential School (1891-1981) Commemoration Project and Reunion, held that same year in Williams Lake, BC.
As the Orange Shirt Society explains: “By wearing an orange shirt on September 30, you commit to the enduring truth that EVERY CHILD MATTERS, every day and everywhere.”
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission also echoed this call. One of its Calls to Action urged the federal government, in collaboration with Aboriginal peoples, to establish a statutory holiday (a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation) to honour survivors, their families, and communities, and to ensure public commemoration of residential schools remains a vital part of reconciliation.
Today, September 30 is recognized nationally. But as Steve Teekens notes, its meaning for Indigenous communities is not one of celebration, but of remembrance and mourning. He shares, “In my family, my grandparents went to residential schools. It’s a reminder of our painful history, and sometimes it’s not an easy day– even to talk about residential schools, the adoption scoop and all the negative things that took place.”
At Na-Me-Res, he explains, they mark the day with a traditional sunrise ceremony. “We’re hoping that will help people be strong to go through the day. It’s not a celebration at all for Indigenous peoples. It’s a day to remember our loved ones who went through that experience, or the relatives who never came home.”
Your Action: How to Observe and Get Involved
Remembrance and action don’t have to be limited to a single day or expressed only in grand gestures: they can begin with small steps.
Steve Teekens believes people can attend reconciliation events with an open mind and a willingness to learn. His advice: “Go to events where you might be able to learn aspects of our culture. Like most cultures around the world, we have a very beautiful and vibrant culture. Through those exercises of attending events, hopefully you’ll form relationships with Indigenous peoples.”
He adds that this helps non-Indigenous people better understand the work Indigenous people and organizations are doing, and find meaningful ways to support them.
The Orange Shirt Society reminds us that even one simple action, wearing orange, acknowledges the pain of residential schools. It’s also a commitment to creating a future where Indigenous communities are honoured and included.
Fact to Know: The first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was held in 2021. This day coincides with Orange Shirt Day, which was first honoured in 2013 by the founding non-profit, the Orange Shirt Society.
Organizations and individuals can also order the 2025 official merchandise through the Orange Shirt Society. If you’re looking to organize your own observance, the Society shares a sample community ceremony agenda, which includes:
- Opening prayer and drumming
- Welcome to traditional territory by a Chief
- Welcome by mayor or local government representative
- Greetings from provincial officials or school board representatives
- Residential school survivor or family member sharing their story
- Entertainment and/or children’s activity
What matters most is showing solidarity, whether by attending events, volunteering or donating to Indigenous initiatives, supporting Indigenous businesses and artists, or joining social media campaigns, while keeping Survivors, families and communities in our minds and hearts.
What’s Happening in 2025: Events in Toronto and the GTA
Several events are taking place this year throughout the city. We encourage you to take part, show your support, and learn from the experiences being shared. You can also check our events calendar for full details.
- Indigenous Legacy Gathering: Nathan Phillips Square, Sept. 29–30, 7 a.m.– 9 p.m.
- University of Toronto Orange Shirt Day & National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Commemoration: Great Hall at Hart House, 10a.m.–11:30 a.m. (registration required).
- Canadian Opera Company Free Concert: Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre, 12p.m.–1:30 p.m.
- Na-Me-Res Sunrise Ceremony and Community Gathering: Hillcrest Park, beginning with a sunrise ceremony at 6:30 a.m., followed by activities from 10 a.m.–noon.
“It’s an opportunity to come out and learn firsthand. We’ll be able to share a meal together. I know our kitchen staff will be preparing a nice meal for all the folks that come, and there will be activities for the whole family, including children. We’re really looking forward to this day, and people are more than welcome to join,” shares Steve Teekens, executive director of Na-Me-Res.
- Every Child Matters: Orange Shirt Day (all-day event): Download the Government of Canada’s commemorative resources and take part in this act of solidarity.
These are just some of the events happening in Toronto and the GTA. If there are others in your neighbourhood, consider showing support and being part of reconciliation through learning and conversation.
Continuing the Journey
Reconciliation is not only about reflection, it’s about meaningful action in the present. As Steve, who works closely with Indigenous groups experiencing homelessness, reminds us, ending Indigenous homelessness and creating more housing opportunities are vital steps. Once people are housed, they can work toward achieving their goals and living a healthy life.
Supporting Indigenous communities today is a tangible way to extend the awareness and learning that Orange Shirt Day encourages, showing that every act of understanding can lead to positive change.
Together, through awareness, advocacy, and action, we can help build a future, rooted in respect, equity, and opportunity.
And it goes without saying, Every. Child. Matters.
(Images sourced from the Government of Canada website)
- Orange Shirt Day 2025: Remembering the Past, Building the Future - September 26, 2025
