September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a time to learn about the history of residential schools, and to honour those who survived as well as those who did not. According to a timeline created by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, the first residential school was opened in Brantford, Ontario in 1831, nearly 200 years ago. At least 150,000 First Nation, Inuit, and Métis children were forced to attend residential schools from 1831-1996....
September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a time to learn about the history of residential schools, and to honour those who survived as well as those who did not. According to a timeline created by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, the first residential school was opened in Brantford, Ontario in 1831, nearly 200 years ago. At least 150,000 First Nation, Inuit, and Métis children were forced to attend residential schools from 1831-1996 – many never returning home to their families.
The History Behind the Day
Residential schools in Canada were funded by the Federal Government and operated by various religious organizations as part of a broader colonial agenda. The system was designed to forcibly assimilate Indigenous children by erasing their cultures, identities, languages, and histories, and limiting or eliminating ties to family, to community, to teachings, and to the land.
Understanding The Truth and Reconciliation Commission
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) was established in 2008 as part of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement. Its purpose was to document the lived experiences of residential school Survivors and to uncover the full history and lasting impacts of the system.
TRC: 94 Calls to Action
The TRC aimed to promote healing and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples by sharing survivor testimonies, raising public awareness, and issuing 94 Calls to Action to guide meaningful change across Canadian society. The 94 Calls to Action provide a framework for individuals, institutions, and all levels of government to acknowledge the past and work toward more equitable systems in the future.
How to Participate
Wear an Orange Shirt
Wearing an orange shirt on September 30 (Orange Shirt Day) honours the Indigenous children who were sent to residential schools—and stands as a lasting commitment to the truth that Every Child Matters.
Choose a Call to Action
Pick one of the 94 Calls to Action to explore in more depth.
- Support Indigenous-led health initiatives (Call #18)
- Advocate for curriculum changes (Call #62)
- Learn about language revitalization efforts (Call #14)
Attend a Truth and Reconciliation Event in Your Community
Visit our listening lab at Fennell Campus on September 29
Join us in The MSA Student Centre (G-Wing at Fennell Campus) on Monday. September 29 from 10 am to 1 pm to learn about National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. Watch short videos to better understand the history and significance of this day, and enjoy complimentary coffee from Birch Barck Coffee Co.
Available at Brewed Awakenings, is a First-Nations owned organic, Fair Trade organization that ethically sources from Indigenous farmers. A portion of every bag sold goes towards supporting Indigenous communities.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the history of residential schools in Canada helps us to understand the colonial underpinnings of our society and the ways in which colonization still impacts us all today. It’s important to recognize that Truth and Reconciliation is not confined to a single day—it is an ongoing commitment to awareness, accountability, and meaningful action.
This blog was written in collaboration with Mohawk College’s Centre for Indigenous Relations, Knowledge, and Learning and Indigenous Student Services. We are grateful for their guidance, wisdom, and feedback throughout the writing process, and for their support in advancing truth and reconciliation.