Understanding the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation recognizes the tragic legacy of residential schools, the missing children, the families left behind and the survivors of these institutions.
September 30, 2021, marks the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day that coincides with Orange Shirt Day. Orange Shirt Day was first honoured in 2013, by the founding non-profit organization, the Orange Shirt Society.
Start your learning journey by exploring the rich and diverse cultures, voices, experiences and histories of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
Learn about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Each year, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities
Images for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Free promotional resources for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Using these images
Please note that when using or reproducing any material available below, you must not change the visuals or text.
The meaning behind the visuals
Learn more about the imagery used in our National Day for Truth and Reconciliation products.
Description of the three icons
- The eagle to represent First Nations
- The narwhal to represent Inuit
- The beaded flower to represent Métis
Among the various visual elements illustrating Indigenous cultures, the circle is at the centre, which represents being together in spirit of reconciliation. The orange colour represents truth-telling and healing. The pathway represents the road to reconciliation. First Nations, Inuit and Métis are represented by the eagle, narwhal and beaded flower in the image. The stars represent the children who never made it home from residential schools.
Continue learning
Learning resources about First Nations, Inuit and Métis across Canada
Explore the history, languages, cultures, and experiences of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
Indigenous history
The history of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, reconciliation and more.
Reconciliation
Learn how the Government of Canada is working to advance reconciliation and renew the relationship with Indigenous Peoples, based on recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership.
About National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
The NCTR is a place of learning and dialogue where the truths of the residential school experience will be honoured and kept safe for future generations.
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation Reports
Reports listed here were issued or created by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.
Follow the discussions online
To find out more about First Nations, Inuit and Métis-led virtual activities, please visit the official pages for National Indigenous Organizations:
Join in the conversation
- Twitter: @GCIndigenous and @GovCanNorth use the hashtags #NDTR and #EveryChildMatters
- Facebook: GCIndigenous, GovCanNorth and @GCIndigenousHealth
- Instagram: @gcindigenous use the hashtags #NDTR and #EveryChildMatters
- YouTube