National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
In 2008 the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was founded to provide those affected by residential schools with an opportunity to share their stories and experiences. Through the commissions’ learnings, a final report was created detailing 94 calls to action to address the injustice Indigenous communities faced through the legacy of residential schools and advance the process of reconciliation.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation directly responds to Call to Action #80 to create a national holiday. On June 3, 2021, the Government of Canada recognized the call to action. It passed legislation making Sept. 30 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honour lost children and survivors of residential schools, their families and all Indigenous communities.
This statutory holiday is just the beginning.
At Closer to Home, we continue to listen to and learn from our Elders and Indigenous communities here in Moh’kinsstis and across Canada.
Our responsibility is to learn the truths and participate in the calls to action to contribute to reconciliation and healing across the country.
How can you participate?
Watch
On Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021, the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) will mark Orange Shirt Day and the first statutory National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with a live broadcast on CBC and APTN at 8 pm.
Wear orange
Join Closer to Home, NCTR, and those across the country wearing orange on Thursday, honouring lost children and survivors of residential schools.
Supports Available
If you or someone you know needs support, please contact:
- 24-hour National Residential School Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419
- The Hope for Wellness Help Line: 1-855-242-3310
- Or, contact the Residential Schools resolution Health Support Program at 1-888-495-6588 (AB)
