Photo credit: Peninsula Canada
Canada observed Truth and Reconciliation Week from September 22 to 26, 2025. There’ll be a Truth and Reconciliation Day on Tuesday, September 30.
The week marked the 10th anniversary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Final Report and 94 Calls to Action. It was a time for reflection, education, and fostering understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. Key activities included educational programs, discussions, and events designed to increase awareness and promote healing from historical injustices. It also included a youth empowerment gathering and various events across Canada to engage the public in the reconciliation process.
To cap it all, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation will be observed on September 30, 2025.
The day is dedicated to honouring the Indigenous children who were forced to attend residential schools and recognizing the ongoing impact on their families and communities.
The concept of truth and reconciliation is primarily associated with efforts to address the legacies of colonialism and systemic injustices faced by Indigenous peoples. In Canada, this process was significantly shaped by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission(TRC), which operated from 2008 to 2015. It was established as part of a legal settlement between residential school survivors and the Canadian government to document the experiences of those affected by the residential school system.
Canada’s Indigenous peoples, including First Nations, Metis, and Inuit, have faced significant historical and ongoing challenges due to colonization, discrimination, and socio-economic disparities. There’s no doubt that Indigenous peoples are the original inhabitants of Canada, with a rich and diverse history that predates European colonization. The relationship between Indigenous peoples and European settlers has evolved over centuries, marked by treaties, conflicts, and cultural exchanges.
The Royal Proclamation of 1763 established the framework for recognizing Indigenous rights and laid the groundwork for treaty-making in Canada.
Orange Shirt Day, observed on September 30, serves as a reminder of the tragic legacy of residential schools in Canada and honours the experiences of Indigenous children who were forcibly removed from their families. The day is not just about remembering the past; it is also about acknowledging the ongoing impacts of these schools on Indigenous communities.
Orange Shirt Day serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of Indigenous peoples and the need for continued efforts toward reconciliation. It is an opportunity for all Canadians to learn about the past, honour the survivors, and commit to fostering a more inclusive and respectful society
