Today, September 30th, 2021, marks the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Today we honour and remember the lost children and survivors of the residential school system, along with their families and their communities.

The National Day of Truth and Reconciliation shares the 30th of September with Orange Shirt Day, an Indigenous-led day of commemoration to honour both those who survived the residential school system and those who did not. The orange shirt, recognizing the clothing that was taken from Phyllis Webstad, a Northern Secwpemc (Shuswap) from the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation, on her first day at a residential school, serves as a symbol of the stripping of culture and freedom from Indigenous children over generations.

RFF recognizes that religious-based discrimination was a major factor in justifying the harm done at residential schools. We commemorate this day knowing that much work must be done to end religious-based against Indigenous peoples.

We encourage you to take time to reflect today - and to wear orange to raise awareness of the importance of remembering the tragic legacy of the residential school system, to honour survivors, and to represent the need for truth and reconciliation.

To begin or to continue a journey of learning, we recommend exploring THIS RESOURCE of Indigenous culture, arts, and heritage that represents just some of the rich and diverse voices, experiences and histories of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.