September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day.

We encourage everyone to take time on this day to listen, learn, reflect, and safely participate in events in their communities that recognize the harms of the Indian Residential School system and honour its resilient survivors, their families and their communities. 

To help acknowledge this day, we have curated a list of actions that you can take and accompanying resources that you can access to commemorate Orange Shirt Day.
“Phyllis Webstad Orange Shirt Day Presentation” - Phyllis Webstad (1:55)
Phyllis Webstad presents her memories of residential schools and the meaning of Orange Shirt Day.
"What Non-Indigenous Canadians Need to Know" - TVO Docs (4:36)
Eddy Robinson is an educator on Indigenous issues. In this web series called "First Things First," Robinson explains why asking "How Can I Help?" is not the right question.
“What is Reconciliation? Indigenous Educators Have Their Say" - TVO Docs (3:11)
Is hanging Indigenous art in an office "reconciliation?" In this web series called "First Things First," Indigenous experts take a look at what it really means to reconcile after generations of systemic racism against Indigenous peoples.
“Namwayut: we are all one. Truth and Reconciliation in Canada" - CBC News (4:20)
Chief Robert Joseph shares his experience as a residential school survivor and the importance of truth and reconciliation in Canada.
“First Contact” - APTN (Series)
First Contact takes six Canadians, each with stereotypical opinions about Indigenous People, on an unforgettable 28-day exploration of Indigenous Canada. It’s a journey that will turn their lives upside down, challenging perceptions and confronting prejudices about a world they never imagined they would see.
As young children, Lyna and Glen were taken from their homes and placed in church-run boarding schools. The trauma of this experience was made worse by years of untold physical, sexual and emotional abuse, the effects of which persist in their adult lives. The profound impact of the Canadian government's residential school system is conveyed unflinchingly through their eyes.
“The Legacy of the Sixties Scoop” - CBC: The National (5:08)
Ian Hanomansing discusses the Sixties Scoop with Cindy Blackstock, an advocate for Indigenous youth and families, and Raven Sinclair, a professor of social work at the University of Regina.
“The Pass System” - Documentary (50:00)
For over 60 years, the Canadian government denied many Indigenous peoples the basic freedom to leave their reserves without a pass. Nehiyaw, Saulteaux, Dene, Ojibwe and Niitsitapi elders tell their stories of living under and resisting the system, and link their experiences to today. Renowned artists and scholars give context to the on-going legacy of the system.
“Separating Children From Parents: The Sixties Scoop in Canada” - CBC News (4:08)
CBC News gives a brief overview of the Sixties Scoop - when Canada took thousands of Indigenous children from their parents between the 1960s and the 1980s. The effects are still being felt today.
“Indian Horse” - Film (1:40:00)
"Indian Horse" follows the life of Canadian First Nations boy, Saul Indian Horse, as he survives residential school and life amongst the racism of the 1970s. A talented hockey player, Saul must find his own path as he battles stereotypes and alcoholism.
"Rosie on Reconciliation" - National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (3:16)
Why does reconciliation matter? Rosie breaks it down for us.
ConnectR - Video Bank
Reconciliation Saskatoon's ConnectR project features an extensive bank of Indigenous video resources for viewing.
Podcast: “Still Here Still Healing” - Jade Roberts
This podcast brings awareness to the history and lasting impacts of residential schools as well as the ongoing impacts of colonization. Listen to stories from residential school survivors and learn from discussions with Indigenous youth about topics such as culture, language, identity, and community.
Podcast: “Residential Schools” - Historica Britannica
“Residential Schools” is a three-part podcast series created by Historica Canada and hosted by Shaneen Robinson-Desjarlais. It aims to commemorate the history and legacy of residential schools, and honour the stories of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Survivors, their families, and communities.
Podcast: “Missing & Murdered: Finding Cleo” - CBC
Where is Cleo? Taken by child welfare workers in the 1970’s and adopted in the U.S., the young Cree girl’s family believes she was raped and murdered while hitchhiking back home to Saskatchewan. CBC news investigative reporter Connie Walker joins the search to find out what really happened to Cleo.
Podcast: "Pieces" - CBC
Since the day he was old enough, Jeremy knew he was different. A mix of Indigenous and white heritage, he has experienced life through both vantage points – as well as the stereotypes. Join 19-year-old Jeremy Ratt on a journey of self discovery as he seeks to understand his roots and all of the distinct “pieces” that form who he is today.
Podcast: "Telling Our Twisted Histories" - CBC
Words connect us. Words hurt us. Indigenous histories have been twisted by centuries of colonization. Host Kaniehti:io Horn brings us together to decolonize our minds– one word, one concept, one story at a time.
Podcast: "This Place" - CBC
Based on the acclaimed graphic novel anthology, This Place is a 10-part journey through one-hundred and fifty years of Indigenous resistance and resilience. Through dramatizations and interviews, along with your host and time-guide storyteller Rosanna Deerchild, the series reveals the heroes, battles, triumphs and traditions which live outside and beyond the national story we have been taught to learn, to share, and to heal the future of "this place" we call Canada.
Orange Shirt Day: Virtual Presentation - Royal Saskatchewan Museum
When: September 30 @ 2:00-2:45 PM
Where: Virtual

“Life Speaker and Residential School Survivor, Tim Poitras from Muscowpetung First Nation speaks with students about his residential school experience. Musician and youth mentor Brad Bellegarde, aka InfoRed, shares his song “I Remember”, honouring his parents as residential school survivors.”
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - Regina Public Library
When: September 30 @ 12:00 PM
Where: 2nd floor mezzanine, Regina Public Library

"Join Bevann Fox, author of Genocidal Love: A Life After Residential School at this event to honour survivors and commit to meaningful and lasting reconciliation."
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - Wanuskewin Heritage Park
When: September 30 @ 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Where: Wanuskewin Heritage Park - Saskatoon

"This September 30th, we welcome you to be present and learn about our history, the lasting Residential School Legacy, and how we move forward in harmony.
 
Events throughout the day include:
  • History of this land – Archaeology Walk with Chief Archaeologist and Founding Board Member Dr. E. Walker
  • The importance of a good meal – Lunch provided by Chef Jenni Lessard
  • Truth and Reconciliation – Overview discussion
  • wāhkо̄htowin: Bison Kinship Walk – Reconciling land and spirit
Virtual Treaty Fair
When: September 27, 28, 29 @ 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Where: Virtual

"The Prince Albert Grand Council, Office of the Treaty Commissioner, 4 Seasons Truth and Reconciliation, and Wahpeton Dakota Nation are pleased to announce a Virtual Treaty Fair. It will be a three-day event which will contain speakers and activities."

Day 1: Treaty Awareness
Day 2: Resilience and Reconciliation
Day 3: Orange Shirt Day
What Does Orange Shirt Day Mean to You? ~ A Panel Discussion - Saskatchewan Intercultural Association
When: September 28 @ 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Where: Virtual

Residential school survivors will share their thoughts and feelings on what Orange Shirt Day means to them.
Truth and Reconciliation Week 2021:
A Virtual Event Open to All Canadian Schools For Youth Grades 5 – 12 - NCTR
When: September 27-October 1
Where: Virtual

Truth and Reconciliation Week is a 5-day national event that will continue the conversations from Every Child Matters.

This online event will provide historical workshops, exclusive video content, and activities for students — all supported by artistic and cultural performances by First Nations, Métis, and Inuit artists.
Truth and Reconciliation Day - The Circle Project
When: September 30 @ 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Where: Victoria Park - Regina

"Join us Thursday, September 30, 2021 at City Square Plaza in Regina's Victoria Park from 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm for an event that will be centered on engaging in more than just in conversation. The day's events will include an Elder and drum group in attendance, which will serve to encourage all who join to share their messages of hope and reconciliation— which we believe will lead to real action and change."
Office of the Treaty Commissioner - Events Calendar
Visit the Office of the Treaty Commissioner's website for an extensive list of upcoming events throughout Saskatchewan.
The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce's Indigenous Awareness Training
Our Indigenous Awareness Training webinars, led by SCC Director of Indigenous Engagement Nick Crighton, are designed to inform members of the business community about the culture and history of Indigenous peoples in Saskatchewan.

Webinars consist of a 1-hour presentation followed by 30 minutes of Q&A. A Certificate of Participation is provided upon completion of each level.
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada created 94 calls to action address the ongoing impact of residential schools on survivors and their families and provide a path for all levels of government to begin the process of reconciliation.
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation Educational Resources
The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation offers an extensive bank of educational resources for all ages - from reading materials to videos and more.
Beyond 94
CBC's Beyond 94 is an interactive website that measures and monitors the progress of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's 94 Calls to Action in Canada.
Did You Live Near a Residential School?
"The residential school system separated 150,000 Indigenous children from their families — and the last one closed in 1997. Was one of those schools in the community where you grew up?"

Explore CBC's interactive map to view the different sites of residential schools and listen to survivors tell their stories.
21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act - CBC
"Here are 21 restrictions imposed at some point by the Indian Act in its 140 years of existence."
Reading Lists
View reading lists about reconciliation, Orange Shirt Day, Indigenous history and more.
Spirit Bear's Guide to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action
This booklet is written by Spirit Bear as a youth-friendly guide to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's 94 Calls to Action. 
Whose Land Is It Anyway? A Manual for Decolonization
The free ebook provides a variety of Indigenous perspectives on the history of colonialism, current Indigenous activism and resistance, and outlines the path toward reconciliation.
Orange Shirt Society
Donations help Phyllis Webstad and the Orange Shirt Society raise awareness across Canada about the Indian Residential Schools and their continuing impacts on individuals, families and communities, and to promote the concept of "Every Child Matters"
Legacy of Hope Foundation
Legacy of Hope Foundation is a national Indigenous charitable organization with the mandate to educate and create awareness and understanding about the Residential School System, including the intergenerational impacts such as the removal of generations of Indigenous children from their families, including the Sixties Scoop, the post-traumatic stress disorders that many First Nations, Inuit, and Metis continue to experience, all while trying to address racism, foster empathy and understanding and inspire action to improve the situation of Indigenous Peoples today. 
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR)
The NCTR educates Canadians on the profound injustices inflicted on First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation by the forced removal of children to attend residential schools and the widespread abuse suffered in those schools.
Reconciliation Canada
Reconciliation Canada actively provides programs and initiatives to inspire positive change in communities throughout Canada.

Their current programs and initiatives include:
  • Reconciliation Dialogue Sessions and Action Plans
  • Economic Reconciliation Action Plans
  • Reconciliation-Based Leadership Training & Core Competencies Assessments
  • Public Awareness and Education
ProMetal's Every Child Matters Feathers Project - Proudly Supported by Pasqua First Nation
"With the recent discoveries of unmarked graves at the sites of former Residential Schools across Canada, the Pro Metal team felt compelled to do something. We wanted to help with the healing process, leave a legacy for survivors and family members of survivors, and ensure the discovery of the unmarked graves are not forgotten.

The result was a beautiful feather keep sake to display proudly as a reminder.

Pro Metal and our partners will be donating manufacturing time, art and design, as well as materials to produce 1000 feathers ensuring 100% of the proceeds of this limited quantity go directly to scholarships for Indigenous students to access at various academic institutes throughout Saskatchewan."
The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce's Indigenous Engagement Charter
Our Indigenous Engagement Charter serves as a roadmap to provide businesses with the tools to achieve Indigenous engagement and assists the business community in demonstrating the role it must play in reconciliation.
The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce's Indigenous Business Directory
Our Indigenous Business Directory aims to ensure that more Indigenous businesses can participate in the Saskatchewan supply chain and will allow for increased engagement between members of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce and Indigenous-owned businesses in the province.
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