Canada observed the sixth National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, 2026, with events across the country. The day, also known as Orange Shirt Day, honored survivors of the residential school system and the memory of those who did not return home.
More than 1,000 people participated in the Walk for the Children in Penticton, British Columbia. The event, organized by the Penticton Indian Band and the syilx community, included local officials and community members. Participants walked in memory of children who were taken from their families and never returned.
In Ottawa, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis residential school survivors raised the Survivors’ Flag on Parliament Hill. The flag, a symbol of resilience and remembrance, was displayed as a tribute to the survivors and the legacy of the residential school system.
Across Canada, communities held gatherings, powwows, and educational events to commemorate the day. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was established to acknowledge the history of the residential school system and to promote healing and reconciliation.
The day serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to address the legacy of colonialism and to support Indigenous communities. It also highlights the importance of education and awareness in fostering understanding and reconciliation.
