National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 29th 2026

September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This commemorative day honours the lost Indigenous children and the survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. 

Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history of residential schools is a vital part of the reconciliation process.

The Town of Kirkland will observe this day by flying the Survivors’ flag in front of Town Hall. This flag was designed by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation in collaboration with the survivors of residential schools.  

September 30 is also Orange Shirt Day created by the Indigenous communities, a day that is inspired by the experience of Phyllis Webstad, a Northern Secwepemc, who, on her first day of school, arrived dressed in a new orange shirt, which was taken from her.

The orange shirt is now a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations.

To take part in this commemorative day, you can :

• Wear an orange shirt;
• Visit the website of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation;
• Make a donation or become a volunteer for an Indigenous organization (Quebec Native Women, Kina8at, Projets autochtones du Québec);
• Watch films and documentaries on the website of the National Film Board of Canada;
• Discover Kirkland Library’s book suggestions by Indigenous authors and documentaries.

For more info: nctr.ca