Hatfield recognizes Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Sep 29, 2025
On September 30th, Canadians from coast to coast are asked to pause and reflect on the legacy of the residential school system and its lasting impact on Indigenous communities. It’s a day to reflect with intention and ask ourselves: What have we learned and what can we do to move reconciliation forward?
Building respectful relationships with Indigenous Nations across Canada requires listening, openness to learning, and being proactive about collaboration. Indigenous perspectives, experience, and involvement in the work we do is increasingly part of that journey. We are honoured and grateful for the opportunities to learn through our partnerships with Indigenous Nations and communities and in our ongoing work on Indigenous territories. On September 30th, and throughout the year, we remain dedicated to open dialogue and mutual understanding.
The choice to wear orange today is a demonstration of remembrance and reflection. It’s one of many ways to show support and solidarity, and to continue engaging with the truths that shape our collective history.
Opportunities for learning more can be found:
- Reports and Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
- United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
- “Unbroken: My Fight for Survival, Hope, and Justice for Indigenous Women and Girls” by Indigenous author Angela Sterritt.
- “Beyond the Orange Shirt” by Phyllis Webstad, founder of the Orange Shirt Day movement.
Additional steps for action:
- Watch or listen to the commemorative gathering live National broadcast from Parliament Hill entitled Remembering the Children: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
- Watch the free virtual program during Truth and Reconciliation week to unlearn the myths of colonial history in Canada – National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation Lunch and Learns.
- Sign up for the University of Alberta’s free course on Indigenous Canada.
- Learn about the land you inhabit and who calls it home at https://native-land.ca/.
- Be an Indigenous Ally – learn about the impact of residential schools and amplify Indigenous voices by sharing what you’ve learned with your friends and family.
- Need more ideas of positive actions you can take? This list of 150 Acts of Reconciliation may provide some inspiration.
