Marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
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Join us this September as our community comes together to observe Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30. This important day invites us to acknowledge the painful legacy of residential schools while honouring the children who never returned home, the survivors, along with their families and communities.
Oshawa is situated on the traditional and treaty territory of the Mississaugas and Chippewa Anishinaabeg and is covered by the Williams Treaties. As the present-day home to the greatest number of Indigenous peoples in Durham Region, we are honoured to proclaim September 30 as Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Oshawa.
Orange Shirt Day
Coinciding with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Tuesday, September 30 is Orange Shirt Day. Orange Shirt Day brings awareness that Every Child Matters and is a day of reflection to:
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commemorate the residential school experience.
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witness and honour the healing journey of the survivors and their families; and,
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commit to the ongoing process of reconciliation.
In the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation, community members are encouraged to wear orange and take time to honour the stolen children of the Indian residential school era on this day.
Ways to Get Involved
Gchi-Piitendaagziwag Kina Binoojiijag 'Every Child Matters' – Orange Ribbon Memorials
September 12 through October 10
Visit one of our Orange Ribbon memorial sites throughout the city and tie a ribbon to commemorate the children’s lives and those negatively impacted by residential schools.
Community members are encouraged to bring their own orange ribbon as a sign of respect and to support healing in Indigenous communities across Canada.
Memorial locations:
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Civic Recreation Complex (99 Thornton Rd. S.)
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Columbus Community Centre (3265 Simcoe St. N.)
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Delpark Homes Centre (1661 Harmony Rd. N.)
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Lakeview Park (55 Lakeview Park Ave., near the playground and splash pad)
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Oshawa City Hall (50 Centre St. S.)
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Bawaajigewin Aboriginal Community Circle (863 Glen St.)
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Various Durham District School Board locations
Big Drum Healing Circle
September 16 - 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Alexandra Park (12 Hospital Ct.)
Experience the healing power of community at this special drum circle, presented in collaboration with the Indigenous Initiatives team at Lakeridge Health Oshawa. Everyone is welcome to join this meaningful gathering. Orange attire encouraged.
Culture Days Programming
September 27 - 12:30 to 4 p.m. at the Arts Resource Centre
The City of Oshawa’s Culture Days activities this year also honours National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Don't miss this powerful afternoon featuring a screening of 'Becoming a Family', a moving documentary about siblings separated by the Sixties Scoop who find each other and rebuild their family connections.
- 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. : educational workshops and food (first come, first served).
- 1:30 p.m.: screening of “Becoming a Family” provided courtesy of the National Film Board of Canada.
Survivors’ Flag
From September 10 to October 10, the Survivors’ Flag will fly at City Hall (50 Centre St. S.) to honour residential school survivors and all communities impacted by the residential school system. You can also visit the Orange Garden for Reconciliation at Ed Broadbent Waterfront Park, where the flag flies year-round.
The Survivors’ Flag is an expression of remembrance, meant to honour residential school Survivors and all the lives and communities impacted by the residential school system in Canada.
Indian Residential School Survivors from across Canada assisted with the flag’s creation by carefully selecting each element depicted on the flag.
Orange Garden for Reconciliation
This special space at Ed Broadbent Waterfront Park symbolizes our City Council's commitment to implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's 94 Calls to Action and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. It's a place for our community to reflect, learn, and commemorate while promoting healing, equity, and inclusion for all.
Support Indigenous artisans and businesses
Orange shirts can be purchased by Indigenous creators or through businesses that put back 100% of the proceeds into Indigenous initiatives. Consider supporting the following Indigenous artisans and businesses:
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Nishtees: Indigenous owned apparel store
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Whetungs Ojibwe Centre: gift shop located in Curve Lake First Nation
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Minisi Convenience and Gift: gift shop located in Scugog Island First Nation
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Turtle Lodge Trading Post: Indigenous owned trading post
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Shop First Nations: Resource hub
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Walmart Reconciliation Effort: 100% proceeds go to Indigenous owned educational resource, Indspire
Learn more about the City of Oshawa’s commitment to meaningful reconciliation with Indigenous communities on the City’s Truth and Reconciliation webpage.
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