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. 30th 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 community events. 

2026 marks the 11th anniversary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Final Report and it’s 94 Calls to Action (linked below in resources).

Ceremonies and Events 

Flag-raising event

  • Residents are invited to attend the flag-raising event on Sept. 29, 2026 at noon in Grand Parade in front of Halifax City Hall. 

Halifax City Hall illuminated in orange 

  • Sept. 29 to Oct. 2, 2026, Halifax City Hall, 1841 Argyle St. 

Resources

  • Read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Final Report and reflect on how you can implement the Calls to Action in your own life.
  • Watch 215 Reflections to learn more about the intergenerational impacts of the residential school system, presented by Cheryl Copage-Gehue.
  • Read Out of the Depths: The experiences of Mi'kmaw children at the Indian Residential School at Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia by Isabelle Knockwood, and othermemoirs by survivors.
  • Watch We Were Children (available on Amazon Prime), Indian Horse (available on Netflix), and Little Bird (available on Crave).
  • 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