September 30th: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day: Every Child Matters

Posted on 09/21/2026

Learning from the Past to help in the Present…

Orange Shirt Day started as a grassroots movement in 2013 by residential school survivor Phyllis Webstad. Her story inspired a nation. In 2021, this day was also recognized as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in response to Call to Action 80 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

As part of our commitment to reconciliation through education, students and staff across the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of Orange Shirt Day through various learning opportunities. Some of these opportunities may include:

• Orange Shirt Day: Every Child Matters assemblies that promote intercultural understanding, empathy and mutual respect

• Classroom lessons that highlight First Nation, Métis and Inuit ways of knowing, history, languages, contributions and role models

• Educator professional learning opportunities during Truth and Reconciliation week that include a presentation by David A. Robertson, a member of Norway House Cree Nation and author of 52 Ways to Reconcile: How to Walk with Indigenous Peoples on the Path to Healing

Our 2026-27 school year theme, Reflect God’s Love, reminds us that the light we share with others is rooted in Christ’s love. At this time in our shared history, may His love be made visible through our words, our actions, and the relationships we build each day.