# Indigenous reconciliation and residential school commemorat- > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/indigenous-reconciliation-initiatives-in-canada > Updated: 2026-09-30T11:00:00.000Z. Sources: 154. Developments: 10. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day continue to serve as significant periods for honoring residential school survivors and addressing the legacy of the residential school system. Established in 2021 following Call to Action 80 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the federal statutory holiday aims to confront systemic discrimination and the history of Indigenous children taken to residential and boarding schools. Recent commemorations have expanded into rural and specialized sectors. In Morewood, the Morewood Recreation Association held its second annual Truth and Reconciliation event, an initiative founded by Stephanie Scott to bring awareness and healing to rural areas. In the sports sector, Ontario Soccer has formalized a partnership with Indigenous Sport and Wellness Ontario (ISWO) to create Long-Term Athlete Development pathways. Other ongoing efforts include educational programs by the Waterloo Region District School Board and institutional apologies from the Canadian Medical Association (CMA). To address ongoing racism in healthcare, the CMA has released a revised Code of Ethics and Professionalism, guided by an Indigenous Strategic Advisory Circle. On September 30, 2026, Indigenous communities across Canada and the United States observed the day with various ceremonies. In Canada, activities included community walks in Kelowna and Millbrook First Nation, student gatherings in Williams Lake, and formal ceremonies at Fort Edmonton Park and on Parliament Hill. In Iqaluit, Nunavut, hundreds gathered to honor the legacy of the 150,000 Inuit, First Nations, and Métis children who attended residential schools. Federal Minister of Indigenous Services Mandy Gull-Masty participated in commemorative events, noting the government’s commitment to responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action. In the United States, the day is recognized as the National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools. ## Claims - The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe accepted 8.86 acres containing six historic school buildings in 2011. (disputed) - The Institute of Museum and Library Services awarded the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe $220,901 in 2026 to digitize correspondence. (disputed) - The federal statutory holiday was established in 2021 in response to Call to Action 80 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. (corroborated by 8 sources) - WRDSB accepts its responsibility to work towards Indigenous sovereignty. We must disrupt anti-Indigenous racism and Indigenous erasure. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Orange Shirt Day was inspired by residential school survivor Phyllis Webstad. (corroborated by 3 sources) - For more than a century, about 150,000 First Nations, Métis and Inuit children were forcibly removed from their families to be assimilated. (corroborated by 2 sources) - While it is a federal holiday, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is not a statutory holiday in Ontario. (single source) - The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund (DWF) has partnered with radio stations for this impactful presentation. (single source) - Recent racist and hateful actions at Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc are a stark reminder of why the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation continues to matter. (single source) - By 1926, nearly 83% of Indian school-age children were attending boarding schools. (single source) - Researchers at the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation identified 63 children who died at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School. (single source) - The Truth and Reconciliation Commission concluded that residential schools were central to a state-backed policy of cultural genocide. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-30: Indigenous communities observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Indigenous communities in Canada and the U.S. observed the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day to honor residential school survivors and preserve historical records. 33 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/orange-shirt-day-honors-indigenous-residential-school-survivors ### 2026-09-30: B.C. politicians observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation B.C. politicians, including NDP Leader David Eby, are observing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation amid reports of white nationalist activity at the Tk’emlups te Secwepemc First Nation. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bc-politicians-observe-national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation ### 2026-09-29: Canada observes National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Canada observes the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with the CMA apologizing for medical systemic harms and the Canadian Museum of History hosting special commemorative programming. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/canada-observes-national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation-3 ### 2026-09-29: Mark Carney marks National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Edmonton Prime Minister Mark Carney marked the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Edmonton, honoring residential school survivors and remembering the children who never returned home. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mark-carney-marks-national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation-in-edmonton ### 2026-09-28: Porcupine Plain expands Truth and Reconciliation Day events Porcupine Plain is expanding its National Day for Truth and Reconciliation events on September 30, featuring workshops, a community walk, and a lunch to honor Métis traditions and promote healing. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/porcupine-plain-expands-truth-and-reconciliation-day-events ### 2026-09-27: Canada observes National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Canada marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day on September 30 to honor residential school survivors and reflect on the lasting impacts of the residential school system. 100 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vancouver-convention-centre-opens-new-space-to-honour-orange-shirt-society ### 2026-09-23: Canada observes National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Canada will observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day on September 30, with various community walks, ceremonies, and institutional closures planned to honor residential school-s 18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/canada-observes-national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation-1 ### 2026-09-21: Canada prepares for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Canadian communities are organizing various events, including walks, ceremonies, and storytelling, to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day on September 30. 19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/canada-observes-national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation ### 2026-09-18: Clearwater to host 6th Annual Truth and Reconciliation Day Clearwater will host its 6th Annual Truth and Reconciliation Day on September 30 at the Dutch Lake Community Centre to honor residential school survivors and their families. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/clearwater-to-host-6th-annual-truth-and-reconciliation-day ### 2026-09-10: Indigenous reconciliation initiatives marked across Canada Canadian organizations and scholars are marking the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation through community fundraising and advocacy for continuous, daily anti-colonial action. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/indigenous-reconciliation-initiatives-marked-across-canada --- Cite as: Indigenous reconciliation and residential school commemorat-. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/indigenous-reconciliation-initiatives-in-canada