September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, when we recognize the ongoing trauma caused by residential and day schools, and remember those who never returned home, survivors and their families. It is also an opportunity to commit to the process of truth, justice and reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit and Métis in Toronto and across Canada.
This holiday was proposed in 2015 by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, which under Action 80 called upon the federal government, in collaboration with Indigenous peoples, to establish a statutory holiday “to honour Survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.”
This built on Indigenous community efforts, which established Orange Shirt Day in 2013 to honour Phyllis’ story, whose new orange shirt was taken on her first day at residential school when she was just six years old.
To mark the day, flags at City Hall, civic centres and other City facilities were lowered to half-mast and the TORONTO sign was lit orange on September 30. The Survivors Flag – an expression of remembrance, meant to honour residential school survivors and all the lives and communities impacted by the residential school system in Canada – was flown at half-mast at City Hall and civic centres.
The City of Toronto is committed towards advancing truth, justice and reconciliation, and is making progress in advancing the actions of its first Reconciliation Action Plan.
Reconciliation is the responsibility of every Canadian. It means acknowledging the past and ensuring history never repeats itself by respecting Indigenous treaties and rights, and letting go of negative perceptions and stereotypes to work towards solidarity. Reflect on how you can work towards reconciliation in your own life and create your own personal reconciliation plan.
National Day of Truth and Reconciliation may be difficult, as many continue to reflect, heal and confront traumas. If you require support, the following resources are available:
WHEREAS on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we acknowledge the pain and suffering caused by Canada’s residential and day school systems and the ongoing trauma experienced by First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples. We mourn the children who did not come home from these schools. We also honour survivors and their families, while reflecting on the continued legacy of intergenerational trauma for survivors, their families and their communities.
Today is also Orange Shirt Day, a day inspired by the story of Phyllis Webstad, one of thousands of Indigenous children who was forcibly taken from her home to a residential school. She was stripped of her language, culture and even her name, in an effort to assimilate her into Canadian society. Phyllis represents generations of children who endured the horrific residential and day school system.
We are all treaty people who must work towards genuine and true reciprocity that is only possible after acknowledging the difficult truths that First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities have always known.
Today, we honour the bravery and courage of residential school survivors, their families and their communities. We also acknowledge the trauma and abuse inflicted on generations of Indigenous Peoples. The City of Toronto will continue to collaborate with Indigenous leaders and community members to fulfill the actions within the Reconciliation Action Plan, ensure transparency and accountability and restore right relations.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mayor Olivia Chow, on behalf of Toronto City Council, do hereby proclaim September 30, 2024 as the “National Day for Truth and Reconciliation” in the City of Toronto.