Honouring the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation & Orange Shirt Day
September 30 is both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. This is a day to reflect, learn, and honour the Survivors of residential schools, their families, and the children who never returned home.
The orange shirt has become a symbol of remembrance, inspired by Phyllis Webstad’s story of having her new orange shirt taken away on her first day at residential school. Wearing orange is a simple yet powerful way to show support for truth, healing, and reconciliation.
Columbia College’s Commitment to Reconcili-ACTION
At Columbia College, reconciliation extends beyond a single day. Following two years of fundraising campaigns supporting local Indigenous agencies, the Indigenous Committee has taken a new approach in 2025:
Committee members visited students across programs, starting with pre-visit surveys to understand their background knowledge on TRC topics.
During classroom visits, discussions linked the 94 Calls to Action to students’ chosen fields and professions.
Inspired by David A. Robertson’s 52 Ways to Reconcile, students were invited to identify personal reconcili-ACTIONS they could commit to.
The response was remarkable: 92% of students participated in the post-presentation polls. Their contributions will guide new ideas and events that extend reconciliation efforts throughout the year.
Community Events in Calgary and Online
There are also many opportunities for the wider community to engage:
Speak Up! With Rex Smallboy, Wendy Walker, and Curt Young, hosted by Drezus – Details here
APTN’s Remembering the Children National Broadcast – Watch online
Virtual Education Programs (Sept 22–26) – Access here
“Siksikakowan: The Blackfoot Man” Film Screening – Sept 29 – Register here
Orange Shirt Day at The Confluence – Sept 30 – Event details
Pokaiks Reconciliation Walk – Sept 30 – Event details
Werklund Centre Program – Sept 30 – Register here
A Conversation with National Chief Cindy Woodhouse – Oct 1 – Details here
Stardale Women’s Group: The Road to Truth – Sept 30 – Register here
Learn more: National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
This September 30, we encourage everyone to wear your orange shirt, attend an event, and take personal action. Together, we can honour Survivors, embrace the truth, and continue the journey toward reconciliation.
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