Marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Join us this month as our community comes together to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Wednesday, September 30.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was established through Call to Action 80 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which called on the federal government, in collaboration with Indigenous Peoples, to create a statutory holiday recognizing Survivors, their families, and communities while ensuring the history and legacy of residential schools are publicly remembered. The day honours the at least 150,000 Indigenous children in Canada who were forcibly removed from their families, communities, cultures, languages and traditions through the residential school system, including the children who never returned home.

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 the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Oshawa.

Orange Shirt Day

Coinciding with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is Orange Shirt Day. Orange Shirt Day was inspired by Phyllis Webstad, who had a bright new orange shirt taken away on her first day of residential school in1973. Today, Orange Shirt Day brings awareness that Every Child Matters and is a day of reflection to:

• commemorate the residential school experience;
• witness and honour the healing journey of Survivors and their families; and,
• 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.

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:

• Nishtees: Indigenous owned apparel store
• Minisi Convenience and Gift: gift shop located in Scugog Island First Nation
• Turtle Lodge Trading Post: Indigenous owned trading post
• Shop First Nations: Resource hub
• Walmart Canada Reconciliation Effort: 100% proceeds go to Indigenous owned educational resource, Indspire
• Orange Shirt Society: official merch and authorized retailers and partners

More ways to get involved throughout September

Gchi-Piitendaagziwag Kina Binoojiijag 'Every Child Matters' – Orange Ribbon Memorial

Until Friday, October 9

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:

• Giiwedinong (North): Columbus Community Centre
• Waabanong (East): Delpark Homes Centre
• Zhaawanong (South): Lakeview Park (near the playground and splash pad)
• Ningaabii'anong (West): Civic Recreation Complex
• Oshawa City Hall
• Bawaajigewin Aboriginal Community Circle
• Various Durham District School Board locations

Survivors’ Flag raising and artist talk – Monday, September 28

2 p.m. at Oshawa City Hall, Civic Square

Join the Mayor and Members of Council for the raising of the Survivors’ Flag in honour of residential school Survivors and the families, communities, and generations impacted by the residential school system in Canada. 

Following the ceremony, Indigenous artist David Beaucage Johnson will share insights into his art piece titled “Aashawaa”, which will be displayed at City Hall for up to 18 months and on Land Acknowledgment signage across City facilities. This artwork and signage reflects the City's ongoing commitment to learning, reflection, and reconciliation. Learn more at oshawa.ca/LandAcknowledgement.

Local programming and initiatives

For more ways to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and take part in local community programming throughout September, visit oshawa.ca/DEREvents.

Year-Round commitment to reconciliation

Survivors’ Flag

Until Friday, October 9, the Survivors’ Flag will be raised at City Hall 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 Oshawa 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 is a place for our community to reflect, learn and commemorate while promoting healing, equity and inclusion for all.

Learn more about the City of Oshawa’s commitment to meaningful reconciliation with Indigenous communities at oshawa.ca/TruthandReconciliation.