Reflecting and learning on September 30
Press Release
September 29, 2025
On September 30, the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) joins communities across Canada in observing Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This Indigenous-led grassroots movement and federally recognized day of commemoration honours the children who never returned home from residential schools, and acknowledges the survivors, their families, and communities.
This year marks the 5th statutory observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and the 13th Orange Shirt Day. The theme for 2025, “Every Child Matters: A Moment of Remembrance, A Call to Healing,” invites all Canadians to reflect, learn, and act in solidarity with Indigenous peoples.
By wearing an orange shirt on September 30, we can show our solidarity in remembering the painful legacy of residential schools and by committing to truth and reconciliation. The date aligns with the time of year when Indigenous children were historically taken from their homes and sent to residential schools, a practice that stripped away culture, freedom, and identity.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was established in 2021 in response to Call to Action #80 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Reading and reflecting on the 94 Calls to Action remains essential to understanding Canada’s path forward.
At OTF, we remain deeply committed to reconciliation. We continue to learn from the rich diversity of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis cultures through storytelling, education, and relationship-building. These learnings inform our work and help us foster more inclusive and equitable practices.
Learn more about how you can participate in Orange Shirt Day and support reconciliation efforts.
Assembly of First Nations It’s Our Time Toolkit
- This toolkit is designed for reflection on the intergenerational harm caused by Indian Residential Schools
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
- Learn about how the Indian Residential Schools have left a painful legacy for Indigenous people across Canada
Woodland Cultural Centre Indigenous Preservation Museum
- Workshops and programming to learn more about the past, present and future of Southern Ontario’s First Nations peoples
- Additional resources about the history and legacy residential schools.
Nishnawbe Aski Nation resources
- Learn how you can participate in meaningful reconciliation
ILR5
