National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2025
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a federal statutory holiday that has been recognized since 2021. It's a day that honours Indian Residential School Survivors and remembers the children who never made it home. September 30 is also known as Orange Shirt Day, an Indigenous-led commemorative day inspired by the story of survivor Phyllis Webstad who, on her first day at St. Joseph Indian Residential School, had her new orange shirt taken away from her.
Indian Residential Schools were one of many methods used by the government to colonize Indigenous peoples in Canada. Indian Residential Schools were underfunded and overcrowded. Students received a sub-standard education, and many experienced abusive behaviours from staff. It's estimated that more than 150,000 children attended Indian Residential Schools, and over 3,200 child deaths were recorded by these schools — though this number is likely higher. Funded by the federal government and run by the Roman Catholic, Anglican, Methodist, Presbyterian and United churches, Indian Residential Schools operated for over 150 years. The last federally funded Indian Residential School closed in 1996.
While September 30 is a day of remembering and learning, truth and reconciliation should have attention year-round. Libraries play an important role in helping educate about the legacy of Indian Residential Schools. TPL is committed to an ongoing and long-term response to Reconciliation, as outlined in our Reconciliation Statement. We encourage you to actively engage in meaningful conversations, seek out Indigenous voices, support Indigenous-led initiatives, and continue learning about the history and cultures of Indigenous peoples. Together, we can foster understanding, healing and change throughout the year.
Library Resources
Reading Lists
Books are a powerful tool for Reconciliation. Curated by TPL staff, these reading lists cover a range of Indigenous issues and experiences. Since it's never too early to start learning about Reconciliation, we've also included age-appropriate titles for children and teens.
Discover must-read titles by Indigenous authors, writers, illustrators and Knowledge Keepers for all ages. Finished reading this year's picks? You can also check out previous years selections. This list is created with the Indigenous Advisory Council at TPL.
Learn about Indian Residential Schools and the Sixties Scoop through memoirs, personal essays, fiction and films.
Explore a variety of current issues, from the impacts of colonialism to the importance of land-based knowledges, and from Indigenous economics to cultural justice.
TPL Reading Challenge 2024 : A Nonfiction Book by an Indigenous Author
Featuring cookbooks, graphic novels, memoirs and botany books, these recommended reads show how multifaced Truth and Reconciliation can be.
Programs
TPL offers a variety of programs in branches and online that highlight Indigenous perspectives. Visit the Indigenous Initiatives website, which is regularly updated, for upcoming and previously aired programs.
Blogs
Written by library staff, these blogs offer insightful ways to explore truth and reconciliation using the diverse resources available at the library.
Truth and Reconciliation: A Guide for Newcomers
New to Canada? Discover resources to learn about Indigenous cultures and histories, and find ways to contribute to truth and reconciliation.
Preserving and Revitalizing Indigenous Languages
Learn why it's important to protect, learn and preserve Indigenous languages. Plus, explore free language learning resources and Indigenous collections at the library.
Free Events in Toronto
True North Aid Reconciliation Walk
September 28, 2025 | The Village at Black Creek
The Reconciliation Walk provides non-Indigenous Canadians with an opportunity to learn about the timeline of Canada’s residential school legacy through an interactive and meaningful, self-guided experience.
September 29 & 30, 2025 | Nathan Phillips Square
This multiple day, all ages event hosted by Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre features workshops, presentations, dance, film and music.
Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Commemoration
September 30, 2025 | Bata Shoe Museum
Join Bata Shoe Museum for a conversation with Ojibwe Kwe author, educator, and Residential School survivor, Karen Chaboyer, alongside her son, Charles Chaboyer, to commemorate Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Mental Health Support
The legacy of Indian Residential Schools can be very painful. Days like the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation can be especially hard for Indigenous community members. If you're finding it difficult to cope, support is available.
Resources for Indigenous communities
Indigenous Community Mental Health Crisis Line (via Toronto Community Crisis Service) – call 416-393-2999 between 2 pm and 2 am daily.
Talk4Healing – call 1-855-544-HEAL, available to Indigenous women in 14 languages across Ontario.
Hope for Wellness Helpline – Call 1-855-3310 or use the chat box on their website, available 24/7 to all Indigenous people across Canada.
Native Youth Crisis Line – Call 1-877-209-1266, available 24/7 to Indigenous people throughout Canada and the United States.
National Indian Residential School Crisis Line – Call 1-866-925-4419
Resources for everyone
Suicide Crisis Helpline – Call or text 988 (all ages)
Kids Help Phone – Call 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868 (for children)
Good2Talk – Call 1-866-925-5454 or text GOOD2TALKON to 686868 or message Good2Talk online.
Updates:
September 18, 2024: Added image of flag.
August 27, 2025: Added 2025 events in Toronto
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