National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

In its commitment to reconciliation and ensuring that the tragic history and ongoing legacy of residential schools is never forgotten, the Government of Canada recently passed legislation to make Sept. 30 a federal statutory holiday called the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.  

Formerly known as Orange Shirt Day, this day provides an opportunity to recognize and commemorate the legacy of residential schools and provides a day of quiet reflection or participation in a community event. 

Ceremonies and Events 

City Hall illuminated in orange
       - Sept. 30,  Oct. 1 , Halifax City Hall, 1841 Argyle St.

Sept. 30 – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

  • Join Mayor Mike Savage for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Flag Raising and Proclamation reading –  10 a.m., Halifax City Hall, 1841 Argyle St.
  • Mawiomi on the Halifax Waterfront – Postponed due to hurricane and recovery efforts
  • Premier of Mi’kmaq History Month Lightshow, taking place every night throughout October at the old Halifax Memorial Library, 5381 Spring Garden Road – 7 p.m.

Oct. 1 – Treaty Day

  • Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre’s Traditional Salmon meal – Postponed due to hurricane and recovery efforts

Oct. 3 – Treaty Day Events

  • Flag Raising and Proclamation for Treaty Day by Deputy Mayor Lovelace – 11:30 a.m.

Resources

  • Read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Final Report and think about how you can implement the Calls to Action in your own life.
  • Read Out of the Depths: The experiences of Mi'kmaw children at the Indian Residential School at Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia by Isabelle Knockwood, and other memoirs by survivors.
  • Watch We Were Children (available on Amazon Prime) and Indian Horse (available on Netflix).
  • Watch Gord Downie’s Secret Path.
  • Learn about the Mi'kmaw communities whose land you live on and visit the three First Nations in Halifax Regional Municipality.
  • Visit Indigenous cultural heritage sites to learn about the traditions, culture, and resilience of your local communities.
  • Visit the Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre, and Peace and Friendship Park in Halifax.
  • Have conversations with the people in your life about what reconciliation means and why it’s important.
  • Support Indigenous artists, drummers, singers, dancers, language learners and small business owners. They are helping communities heal.


Learn how to pronounce National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Mi'kmaw.

Pronunciation tutorial | National Day for Truth and Reconciliation