Canada Observes 4th Annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Canada observes its fourth annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation today, a time to honor the Indigenous children who died in residential schools, as well as the survivors, their families, and communities. Also known as Orange Shirt Day, this federal statutory holiday is commemorated each year on September 30.

Between the 1870s and 1997, over 150,000 First Nations, Métis, and Inuit children were forcibly sent to church-run, government-funded residential schools. The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation estimates that more than 4,100 children lost their lives while attending these schools.

Across the country, events are being held to mark the occasion, including a 90-minute ceremony in Ottawa. In the evening, the Peace Tower and Senate building will be lit in orange to symbolize the nation’s commitment to reconciliation.