How to Observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Toronto

September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. The day honours residential school Survivors, their families and communities, and remembers the children who never returned home.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was established in response to Call to Action 80 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. In Toronto and across Canada, people mark the day through reflection, learning and public gatherings, and many wear orange shirts to symbolize the experiences of Indigenous children who were taken from their families and sent to residential schools.

For visitors looking to observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Toronto, we have gathered current Indigenous-led and official opportunities to listen, reflect and participate respectfully, along with practical information to help you plan your day.

Ways to recognize the day in Toronto

The following public programs are led by or presented in partnership with Indigenous organizations. Please follow the organizers’ guidance when attending.

From September 28 to 30, Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre will hold its annual Indigenous Legacy Gathering at Nathan Phillips Square. The gathering honours residential school Survivors, their families and communities while sharing the diverse cultures and traditions of Indigenous Peoples through ceremony, storytelling, teachings, music, dance and art.

Visitors can also spend time in the Spirit Garden, a permanent Indigenous cultural space at Nathan Phillips Square created for teaching, learning, sharing and healing. The site honours residential school Survivors and the children lost to their families, communities and cultural traditions.

Tune in to A DAY TO LISTEN, presented by the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund in partnership with radio stations across Canada. From 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time, the program will share conversations with Indigenous leaders, Knowledge Keepers, artists and changemakers under this year’s theme, Honouring Truth with Action.

The Toronto Zoo will recognize the day with opportunities for reflection in its First Nation Art Garden and information displays presented with Native Child and Family Services of Toronto. Programming runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is included with Zoo admission.

Find additional ways to learn, reflect and participate through the City of Toronto’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation resources.

Orange Shirt Day

September 30 is also Orange Shirt Day, an Indigenous-led commemorative day established in 2013 and rooted in Phyllis Webstad’s story. Wearing orange is one way people honour residential school Survivors and the children who never returned home, while affirming that Every Child Matters.

If you choose to purchase an orange shirt, consider buying directly from the Orange Shirt Society, an Indigenous artist or an Indigenous-owned business.

Resources

Continue learning and supporting Indigenous communities

Indigenous Tourism Ontario
Destination Indigenous
The Indigenous Collection – Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)
Destination Indigenous “The Original Original” campaign

Visitor information: what’s open on September 30

September 30 is a federal statutory holiday but not a provincial statutory holiday in Ontario. Federal government offices, banks and Canada Post services are generally closed, while many Toronto attractions, restaurants, shops and public transit services continue to operate.

Major attractions, including the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium, Royal Ontario Museum and the Art Gallery of Ontario, are scheduled to be open. Hours and services may vary, so check directly with each attraction or service provider before visiting.