National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada

When did the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada start?

The first recorded date of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada being celebrated on September 30 was in the year 2016.

About National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada Holiday

Happy National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Canada! For all Canadians, this day stands as an annual opportunity to remember and reflect on the past and think about the future. This holiday, celebrated on September 30th, 2023, marks the consequences of Canada’s history of colonization and its effects on Indigenous Peoples.

This holiday allows us to reflect on the multiple wrong-doings colonizers have done and committed in the past and a chance to work together for a better tomorrow. By showing up, we can remind everyone of the importance of reconciliation and the potential for Canada to be a land of opportunity and true inclusion.

It is important on this day that we share the stories, listen to the voices of Indigenous Peoples and lift up their meaningful contributions in all parts of our country. To help us learn history, recognize systemic racism, apologize for colonization and provide support through tangible and meaningful measures, today is a valuable part of building bridges and fostering reconciliation.

On this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we stand together in the spirit of humility, cooperation, respect, diversity, and justice. Let’s continue to pursue our goals of a more inclusive society and stronger nation.

History and Origin of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada is an annual holiday that serves as an opportunity to reflect, pay respects and commemorate the people and communities affected by the legacy of residential schools. It has been celebrated in the country since 2017.

The history of this holiday goes back to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC). In 2009, the Government of Canada had established the TRC to help better address the issue of the Indian residential school system. The five-year fact-finding TRC interviewed around 7,000 former students and survivors of Indian residential schools. The commission concluded in 2015 and recommended that the government recognize the suffering of the residential school survivors and their families by having a national holiday for them.

This recommendation was accepted, and in 2017, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau declared September 30 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. This day was chosen to coincide with the signing of Treaty 11, in 1921, which was the largest single settlement of claims for Inuit people in the Northwest Territories.

Additionally, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada is meant to signify connection and healing, and to bring together all Canadians in the spirit of reconciliation. This is to allow Canadians to continue to learn more about and reflect on the burden of years of colonization and damage inflicted on Indigenous people by residential schools.

Significance and Meaning

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada is held every year on September 30, and is a day for ALL Canadians, including Indigenous people, to reflect on and remember the past. The TRC’s Final Report provides 84 Calls to Action, which would help Canadian society to reconcile its historical relationship with Indigenous people. The holiday is a reminder of the necessity of truth and reconciliation between Canada and its Indigenous citizens.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is not only a celebration of Indigenous culture and heritage, but a day of education and healing. It is an opportunity for Canadians to reflect on the perpetuation of colonialism and its effects on Indigeneity. The holiday is also a time to explore ways of trying to build better relationships with Indigenous Peoples and to proactively taking steps to ensuring that we can work together towards reconciliation, and a better future for everyone.

Traditions and Celebrations

Celebrations for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada vary from region to region. Most celebrations involve activities like: educational lectures and workshops; art and cultural displays; music and dance performances; spiritual and healing ceremonies; special dinners; and public rallies.

In the larger cities, the holiday is often celebrated with musical concerts, parades, street festivals, fireworks displays, and open-air markets. In smaller rural communities, the holiday may be celebrated with community dinners, Indigenous dance troupes, and speeches given by elders.

In many localities, the holiday is celebrated by both Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples together. This allows for open dialogue and cross-cultural opportunities to help foster a better understanding between the two groups.

Geographical Spread

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada is celebrated across the country in every province and territory.

In the Northwest Territories, ceremonies are held at various locations that were once residential schools. The ceremonies are used to honour and pay tribute to victims, survivors, and their families who were affected by this painful period in Canadian history.

In British Columbia, Indigenous communities hold gatherings to commemorate the people who were taken away to residential schools. These events are also used to raise awareness and to create solidarity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.

In Ontario, many Indigenous communities hold ceremonies, such as powwows and traditional dance performances, to commemorate the day.

In Saskatchewan, there are usually major events organized by the provincial government, such as parades, feasts, and traditional games.

In Manitoba, many cities hold traditional powwows at FedEx Place Stadium, as well as cultural activities and workshops to educate the public.

In Alberta, Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities often come together to participate in activities such as story-telling, music, dance, drumming, and art-making.

In Quebec, traditional music and dance performances are held. All of these events are used to honor the memory of the many lives affected by residential schools.

Modern Day Observations

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada is now a day of observance and remembrance for all Canadians, not just those of Indigenous descent. It is a day for everyone to partake in the spirit of truth and reconciliation.

In recent years, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada has become a public holiday in many universities, colleges, and workplaces. In addition, many civic and other government institutions such as libraries, schools, and government departments open their doors to host cultural celebrations on the day.

In 2020, the Government of Canada also held an online commemoration event from coast to coast across the country, in order to bring together communities to honour the tragedy of residential schools, and the important work of truth and reconciliation.

Interesting Facts or Trivia

1. National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada is also known as Orange Shirt Day, which is a day to recognize those impacted by Indian residential schools. It is called Orange Shirt Day because of the story of Phyllis Webstad, a former student of the St. Joseph mission residential school in B.C., who had her orange shirt taken from her when she first arrived at the residential school.

2. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada was first proclaimed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on June 21, 2017.

3. Every year, hundreds of thousands of Canadians participate in observance activities to recognize and reconcile this difficult history.

4. According to the Government of Canada’s Statement of Apology to Former Students of Indian Residential School, 80,000 children had passed through the residential school system over the span of four generations.

5. The Statement of Apology also established a $1.9 billion Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement in 2007, in which some of the funds are used to support and recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada.

Holiday Wishes

• Wishing us all a day of truth and healing.
• May this day be a symbol of our commitment to promote understanding and foster a better future.
• May we work together to rebuild relationships based on respect and mutual understanding between all Canadians.
• Wishing everyone hope for the future on this special day.
• Let’s use this day to empower our collective efforts to seek peace and reconciliation for all Canadians.

Holiday Messages

• Today is a day to heal, remember, and mark a new beginning.
• Let us come together to acknowledge the truth about residential schools and open our minds to the possibility of true reconciliation.
• May this day bring us closer as Canadians, and strengthen our relationships built on respect for each other’s culture and beliefs.
• Let this day be a reminder of our dedication to truth and reconciliation.
• May we all hold hands and continue to walk down the path of healing.

Holiday Quotes

• “We cannot be liberated until we face our history.” – Leanne Betasamosake Simpson
• “The future is in our hands. Let us build a bridge to the future.” – Simon Fraser
• “Reconciliation begins in the hearts of all of us.” – David Pilgrim
• “It is important that the stories remain in the hearts of Canadians so our progress will continue.” – Phil Fontaine
• “In truth, there is only one race–the human race.” – Desmond Tutu

Other Popular Holiday Info

In recent years, events such as cultural education, presentations, art, and creative workshops have become popular activities on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. These activities work together to draw attention to the importance of Indigenous history and culture and of understanding how residential schools impacted the lives of Indigenous communities.

Schools across Canada also use this day as an educational opportunity for students to learn more about Indigenous history, contemporary issues, and how Canadians can address them as allies. This year, schools are encouraging everyone to join virtual gatherings to commemorate the day.

Additionally, there are a growing number of public activities held on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. One of these activities is the “Honouring Our Survivors” walk, which began in Vancouver in 2017. This event honours the residential school survivors and their families, by bringing together people of all backgrounds to walk together in solidarity.

It is important to note that National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada is also a day of mourning and remembrance. So, while we take the time to commemorate this day by celebrating Indigenous cultures, it is also important to remember those who suffered under the Indian residential schools and its aftermath. These memories remain an important part of the history of Indigenous peoples, and thus, it is our responsibility to keep them alive.

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