National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2021

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

The day honours the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, 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.

The creation of this federal statutory holiday was through legislative amendments made by Parliament. On June 3, 2021, Bill C-5, An Act to amend the Bills of Exchange Act, the Interpretation Act and the Canada Labour Code (National Day for Truth and Reconciliation) received Royal Assent.

How to Respectfully Commemorate and Recognize the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada:

  • Wear an orange shirt that you have purchased from an Indigenous artist
  • Read up on Indigenous issues, including the residential school system, the history of colonialism in Canada, and Indigenous rights and treaties
  • Listen to Indigenous music and support Indigenous artists and businesses in your community
  • Speak to your friends and relatives about the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and educate yourself
  • Attend events in your community that commemorate the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
  • Tune into CBC: CBC is marking the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with a full day of programming and content showcasing First Nations, Métis and Inuit perspectives and experiences across CBC TV, CBC News Network, CBC.ca, CBC Kids, CBC Radio One and CBC Music, including a commercial-free prime time broadcast special.
  • Read PHYLLIS' STORY: the original orange shirt.
  • Read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Reports here.

Find out more from www.canada.ca.

Find out how to get involved and show your support  in Toronto. More information is available on www.toronto.ca.

Discover how non-Indigenous people can respectfully observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in this CTV New article.

Here is how you can show unity with Indigenous communities on this very important day. Read the full article here from The Globe and Mail.