History 

In Canada, September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It is also known as Orange Shirt Day, and recognizes the trauma and injustice caused by residential schools nationwide. The trauma, cultural erasure, mortification, and loss of freedom generations of Indigenous children faced are symbolized through wearing an orange shirt.  

 For a period of over 150 years, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation children were taken from their families and communities to attend schools often located far from their homes. More than 150,000 children attended residential schools and many of them never returned.  

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) was created through a legal settlement between survivors and the federal government and church bodies to inform all Canadians about what happened in residential schools. The TRC documented the truth of Survivors, their families, communities, and anyone else affected by the residential school experience. The TRC concluded that residential schools were “a systematic, government- sponsored attempt to destroy Aboriginal cultures and languages and to assimilate Aboriginal peoples so that they no longer existed as distinct peoples.” 

You can learn more about the history of residential schools at Residential School Timeline – NCTR.  

How to Get Involved 

The University and the Office of Indigenous Relations is putting on several events during the month of September to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and celebrate Indigenous culture.  

Events 

September 27 – Gidinawendamin/Ska’nikú•lát 22nd Annual Pow Wow 

• Celebrate Indigenous culture and tradition through song, dance, arts, and cuisine! The Pow Wow is intended to be a safe, welcoming, and vibrant opportunity for Indigenous and non-Indigenous folks from the Waterloo community to gather in celebration. 

September 30 – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2025 

• September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. All are encouraged to attend the events at the B.C. Matthews Hall (BMH) Green.  
• Registration is encouraged by going to the event page. 

Resources for Further Learning 

Learn more about why we commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at National Day for Truth and Reconciliation | Office of Indigenous Relations | University of Waterloo. The Office of Indigenous Relations has compiled resources on the history behind September 30, a history of residential schools in Canada, and videos for further learning.  

WUSA Indigenization Action Plan 

As an organization, WUSA has taken time to reflect and build an Indigenization Action Plan. WUSA has built this plan around bringing recognition to the Indigenous community, while also focusing on how we can all work together to create a community.  

Our first step as part of our action plan is reconciliation. We strive to integrate Indigenous knowledge, values, and representation throughout our operations, events, and advocacy, ensuring that Indigenous voices are heard and represented on campus. Our next step is to embrace and celebrate Indigenous students on campus. We plan to create more dedicated spaces in SLC as well as incorporate Indigenous art, culture, host educational and experiential events, and ensure representation in decision-making, services, and advocacy. Finally, WUSA will continue to work with local Indigenous communities, knowledge keepers, and Elders to build a strong connection and influence on campus.  

Learn more about the plan at Toward Truth and Reconciliation: WUSA’s First Indigenization Action Plan – Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association.

Vibushan Pirabaharan 

Communications Coordinator