Commemorating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 27, 2023)

Saturday, September 30, marks the third National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day. This day was created to promote awareness of Canada’s Residential School System, in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #80 – to honour survivors, their families, and communities.

Commemorating the tragic history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital step in reconciliation. We wear orange to remember and mourn the children who never came home from residential schools, the last of which, Kivalliq Hall in Rankin Inlet, closed in 1997.

The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) encourages its staff to take this opportunity to remember and recognize the legacy of residential schools through reflection, learning, and participation. The UTRCA is recognizing this important day in several ways:

  • Encouraging staff to wear orange throughout the week,
  • Illuminating the gatehouses at Fanshawe, Wildwood, and Pittock Conservation Areas in orange from September 25 to October 1,
  • Organizing an Indigenous-led water blessing for staff,
  • Leading a walk in nature for staff,
  • Providing links to self-directed resources as well as ways to donate to the cause.

We encourage everyone to make a commitment to take personal acts of reconciliation. There are many events to mark the day and resources to explore, including the following:

Events

Resources