National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 30, 2025



"Beneath the Shadow of a Star”

Truth and Reconciliation

As Indigenous people we know there is still a long journey ahead to create a place where we can share our beliefs and culture. We will continue to take action in advocating our truths, our beliefs and our culture. We will honour the Residential School victims who never made it home. We will continue to advocate a journey which is rooted in respect, justice and equality.

Mohawk artist Lee Claremont

On September 30, we observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation—a time to honour survivors of residential schools, remember those who never returned home, and acknowledge the ongoing impacts on Indigenous communities across Canada.

This day also coincides with Orange Shirt Day, inspired by Phyllis Webstad’s story, reminding us that Every Child Matters.

Learn More About Reconciliation and how to get involved:

The 2025 Every Child Matters Orange Shirt Day T-Shirt is designed by Haida, Kwakwaka’wakw artist Yasakw (Shelly Samuels). This unique art design features Raven with her two Raven babies under her wings in the shape of a heart. 

Yasakaw receives royalties for her design. A portion of the proceeds from the T-shirt sales have been directed towards Native Northwest's Reconciliation fund, which has to date, raised over $100,000 for efforts supporting Indigenous wellness, education, and cultural initiatives across Canada.

Yasakw (Shelly Samuels)

In the words of the artist: Children are a gift as they carry our stories, our culture and our future. This is our reminder that they deserve to be loved, honoured and cared for. Every Child Matters. My Naanii (grandmother) Audrey was a Residential School survivor who put in the work every single day until the day she passed. Because of her and the women in my family, I am able to break generational traumas.

Thank you for taking time to reflect with us. Every step toward reconciliation matters.

Sincerely,

Erla, Doug and Patti and the Indigena staff teams

Gallery Indigena

Stratford Location

📍 69 Ontario Street, Stratford, Ontario

📞 (519) 271-7881

✉️ nativart@galleryindigena.com

Land Acknowledgement:

We respectfully acknowledge that Gallery Indigena Stratford is located on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, and Neutral (Attawandaron) peoples.

This land is governed by the Dish with One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant and the Huron Tract Treaty. We honour all Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island who continue to steward these lands.

Vancouver Location

Inukshuk Gallery

📍 Granville Island, Vancouver, BC

📞 (604) 681-5016

✉️ vancouver@galleryindigena.com

Land Acknowledgement:

We acknowledge that our Vancouver gallery operates on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

🌐 Explore More Online

www.galleryindigena.com