Category Reconciliation   Show all

  • Orange Shirt Day & National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30)

    September 30th is Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Read on to learn about these days, local events, and how to learn more.


    AboutImage of an orange t-shirt with the words Every Child Matters on it. Orange Shirt Day

    The Orange Shirt Day movement was started by Phyllis Jack Webstad, a member of Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation and residential school Survivor. As she prepared to go to residential school at six years old, Phyllis's grandmother bought her a new orange shirt. When she arrived at the school, the shirt was taken from her. For Phyllis, the shirt represented her experience at residential school, and the neglect and harm children faced. Today, Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led, commemorative day to reflect, learn, and raise awareness about the inter-generational impacts of residential schools. September 30th was chosen because it's the time of year children would be taken from their home to residential schools.

    Learn more about Orange Shirt Day from the Orange Shirt Society or read the book Phyllis's Orange Shirt.


    The National Truth and Reconciliation logo.

    About National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

    The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was officially recognized by the Government of Canada in 2021 as a result of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. This is a day to lean in, listen, and learn about the ongoing impacts of colonization, including residential schools. It's a day to learn the 'truth' of our shared history, but also about how we can create pathways towards reconciliation and healing in our personal and professional lives.

    Learn more about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Day on the Government of Canada website.


    Events

    We encourage community to wear orange and participate in events below to show support for the children who never made it home, Residential School Survivors, family members, and communities impacted. Events are open to everyone and free.


    Throughout September and year-round

    Make-Your-Own Takwíhleew Orange Shirt Pins are available from Come Together CK (CTCK).

    Takwíhleew (Tuck-we-l-ow) means 'Come Together' in the Lenape language.

    Contact Lana Parenteau, CTCK Indigenous Navigator parenteaulana58@gmail.com for more information.




    Monday, SepteFlyer promoting the Sacred Fires at Chatham Kent Health Alliance Chatham and Wallaceburg sites. For more information contact equity@ckha.on.camber 22, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, Chatham Site.

    Friday, September 26, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, Wallaceburg Site.

    Sacred Fire

    Join Chatham-Kent Health Alliance in Ceremony and gather around the Sacred Fire. This is a time for reflection, learning, and healing.

    Please bring a blanket or chair for comfort, an open heart and respectful presence. No registration required.

    Click on the image to the left for more details. Contact equity@ckha.on.ca with questions.






    Wednesday, September 24, 6:30PM

    GINDAASDAA Circle

    495 King Street West, Chatham and on Zoom

    A book club focusing on Indigenous authors who write about Indigenous Knowledge, Reconciliation, and Worldviews. Everyone is welcome.

    September's book is Seven Fallen Feathers by Tanya Talaga.

    GINDAASDAA (Ghin-daahs-daah) means 'looking at somethign together and learning from it' in the Ojibwe language.

    See the full flyer for more details.




    Image of Survivor's flagFriday, September 26, 2:00PM, Information booths 1:00 - 3:00PM

    Survivor's Flag Raising

    Chatham Civic Centre, 315 King Street West, Chatham

    Partnership with Maawnjidimi Indigenous Network, Ska:Na Family Learning Centre, 7 Generations Indigenous Cultural Friendship Centre, and the Municipality of Chatham-Kent,



    Image of a group attending the gathering in Civic Square Park in 2024.September 30, 2025, 10:30 AM

    4th annual Healing Walk & Gathering

    Wallaceburg

    Join us for a meaningful walk and ceremony honouring and listening to Survivor's of Residential Schools. Walk begins at Wallaceburg Library and ends at Civic Square Park for the gathering. Partnership between Walpole Island Employment & Training and the Municipality of Chatham-Kent.


    Contact us to add additional events: DEIJ@chatham-kent.ca or 226.312.2023 x. 2447.


    Learn

    September 30th is a great time to commit to learning. Resources to support learning are included below. This list is not comprehensive but is meant as a starting place.

    Listen:

    A Day to Listen (September 30th)

    Tune in to your favourite local radio station to learn about moving reconciliation forward in a meaningful way. Learn more from the Downie & Wenjack Fund website.


    Watch:

    Orange Shirt Day

    Learn about the origins of Orange Shirt Day through this Youtube video by the Orange Shirt Society.

    Truth and Reconciliation Commission Lunch and Learns (September 22-26, 1:00-2:00 each day)

    Open to anyone, five different webinars are offered throughout the week to build understanding of the Residential School system and meaningful efforts towards reconciliation. Learn more from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission website.

    Remembering the Children: Live Event Broadcast (September 30, 2025, 3:00PM EST)

    Watch the national event at Parliament Hill. Watch and learn more on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission website.


    Read:

    Residential Schools Timeline

    A visual timeline of residential schools in Canada. Find it on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission website.

    The Witness Blank

    Explore items reclaimed from residential schools, churches, government buildings accompanied by the voices of Survivors. Visit The Witness Blanket website.

    The Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action

    Drafted from consultations with residential schools survivors and family members across the Canada. Recommendations are directed at individuals, organizations, and all levels of government. Read the Calls to Action on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission website.

    CK Road to Understanding Indigenous Cultures

    Learn about local First Nations, relationships with government, and Treaties. Find the resource on the Living CK website. Hard copies of this resource are available by contacting us.


    Supports

    You are not alone. Reach out if you need support.

    Hope for Wellness Help Line offers immediate help 24/7 to all Indigenous Peoples in Canada. 1-855-242-3310 (toll free) or online chat www.hopeforwellness.ca

    National Residential School Crisis Line provides 24/7 crisis support to former Residential School students and their families. 1-866-925-4419 (toll free)