The following content may contain sensitive subject matter that may be stressful to some audiences as it includes topics relating to the residential school system, colonization and intergenerational trauma. To find support, you can call 1-855-242-3310 or chat online at hopeforwellness.ca and find additional Indigenous mental health resources here.

Truth and Reconciliation Week leads up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day on September 30, a day dedicated to recognizing the dark history of residential schools and its survivors. This week is a time to reflect on the history and ongoing impacts of the residential school system, the assimilatory actions and mistreatment, and the intergenerational impacts. This week was officially recognized in 2021 due to the hard work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, who devoted their time to speak to survivors, inform and educate Canadians on the history of residential schools, and create a report with 94 Calls to Action to advance reconciliation (Action 80 being the creation of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation).

Everyone has a role in continually acknowledging the ongoing impact of residential schools, challenging colonial narratives, and working to better understand Indigenous lived experiences.  To make reparations for what was lost, we must continuously work to advance relationships with Indigenous Peoples based on recognition of rights, respect, cooperation, and partnership.

Reconciliation may take many forms including promoting local community-based projects and initiatives, supporting language revitalization efforts, respecting cultural practices and spiritual beliefs, becoming more educated on Indigenous Peoples and their histories, and advocating for increased participation of Indigenous adults and youth in decision making processes.

Below we have outlined some ways to support and participate in Truth and Reconciliation Week. Whether you are Indigenous or not, everyone can do their part for reconciliation.

Attend Events:

  • Wear orange on September 30. Orange Shirt Day was established in 2013 as an Indigenous-led grassroots initiative to honour residential school survivors and promote the concept that “Every Child Matters.” The orange shirt is a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom, and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations.
  • After identifying the Nations whose land you live and work on, you can visit their website or social media channels to see if they are hosting local events. You can explore Native-Land and your city’s or local university’s websites to identify whose traditional and/or treaty territory you are on. Many cities and/or local universities’ Indigenous student associations will also be holding events. When you attend these events, be mindful and respectful of Indigenous protocols. Remember that you are a guest and should follow the guidance of Indigenous hosts.
  • Attend virtual National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation events.
  • Participate in the Remembering the Children: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Parliament Hill in Ottawa (in person or virtually).

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Educate Yourself and Others:

The Sustainable Forestry Initiative is committed to building and promoting forest-focused collaborations rooted in recognition and respect for Indigenous Peoples’ rights and Traditional Knowledge. Several outcomes in SFI’s 2025-2030 Strategic Direction, such as Increased integration of Indigenous Peoples’ Rights, Traditional Knowledges, and self-determined priorities into forest management practices and Increased collaboration with Indigenous Peoples, support this work.

SFI IN BRIEF

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