Honouring the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation: Resources for Educators

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Orange Shirt Day) is a federal statutory holiday in Canada. September has evolved into a month that marks not only the return to school, but also a month when students of all grades learn about the history and legacy of residential schools.

Why is September 30th called the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation?

Each year, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation; this day was designated to be a Canadian federal statutory holiday.

The day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.

To learn more about Truth and Reconciliation and the 94 Call to Action identified by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in 2015, check out the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada website. (Please note the website has been archived but can still be viewed.)

What is Orange Shirt Day and why do we wear orange shirts?

Canadians are encouraged to wear orange on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in honour of Phyllis Webstad’s courageous sharing of her residential school survivor story. To learn more about Phyllis and her story, click here.

What resources & learning opportunities does The Consortium have to support teachers and students?

The Consortium has Designers of Professional Learning available to assist with professional development on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation who can be requested through The Consortium’s website. As well, for online resources and support, the Empowering The Spirit website houses online video and print resources as well as links to other resources available throughout the Internet.

Appropriate for Grades 4-12, teachers can access this Classroom Lesson Learning Guide that features Elder’s testimonials regarding their time in Residential Schools. This collection can bring the importance of oral storytelling and Elder’s voices into your classroom.

Teachers may also wish to first preview our Dave Robertson Podcast episode discussing his book 52 Ways to Reconcile. This can be shared with secondary students, accompanied by pre/post discussion questions for students to reflect on the reconciliation journey.