National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Observance of Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

The Office of Indigenous Initiatives encourages everyone to wear an orange shirt on September 29th and 30th to remind us to reflect on the meaning of this day and to express our shared commitment to reconciliation. If you do not have an orange shirt, the Office of Indigenous Initiatives will be giving out shirts during the week of September 26 while quantities last. Shirts can also be purchased locally at Supplies for the Soul on Nipissing First Nation, North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre in North Bay and online at orangeshirtday.org.

What is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation?

In June of this year, the federal government legislated September 30, 2021, as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an opportunity to recognize and commemorate the legacy of residential schools, as proposed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada in 2015, which under Action 80 called upon the federal government, in collaboration with Indigenous peoples, to establish a statutory holiday that honours Survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.

What is Orange Shirt Day?

Orange Shirt Day is a day to honour Indigenous children who were sent away to residential school in Canada. Orange Shirt Day challenges Canadians to witness and honour the stories of Survivors and their families, and to commit to meaningful discussion and the ongoing process of reconciliation.   

How is Nipissing University Acknowledging?

Nipissing University will recognize this day as a holiday, and as such, remote and in-person classes will be cancelled, and employees will not be required to report to work. Members of the Nipissing University community are encouraged to honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation through personal reflection, education and awareness via the resources shared on this page, and participation in events such as Orange Shirt Day. Orange Shirt Day honours Indigenous children who were sent away to residential school in Canada, challenges Canadians to witness and honour the stories of Survivors and their families, and to commit to meaningful discussion and the ongoing process of reconciliation.

In recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, Nipissing University will be hosting a candlelight vigil, illuminating the Learning Library in orange on the evenings of September 29 and 30, and providing orange shirts to students and employees. 

Registration for the candlelight vigil has closed as capacity has been reached. Those who are registered, may pick up their orange shirt in F215. A reminder that all attendees must complete the self-assessment and vaccine passport using the Nipissing Safe App. For those unable to register for the event, orange shirts are available for pick up in B210.

Other Ways to Honour the Day

• View relevant materials and resources on display in the foyer of the Learning Library during the week of September 27th
• Visit the online resources listed on this page to learn more about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada  
• Read about the origins of Orange Shirt Day and share this information with your family and friends
• View one of acclaimed director Alanis Obomsawin's documentary films at https://www.nfb.ca/directors/alanis-obomsawin
• Wear orange as part of your commitment to reconciliation
• Reflect