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National Day for Truth & Reconciliation

About September 30th

The federal government announced the creation a new statutory holiday known as the  National Day of Truth and Reconciliation to be recognized on  September 30  each year. This day  fulfills the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call-to-Action #80 and will serve as a day of  remembrance,  reflection, action and learning. Since 2013, September 30 has been known as Orange Shirt Day, a day to recognize the tragic history and long-standing effects of residential schools. 

Call-to-Action #80:

"We call upon the federal government, in collaboration with Aboriginal peoples, to establish, as a statutory holiday, a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to  honour  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.  "

events

Community Events

Stay tuned for upcoming events in 2025.

community

Well-being Resources:

If this is a medical emergency, dial 911.​​

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Local (Ottawa) 

  1. Inuuqatigiit Center for Children, Youth and Families: Website

  2. Minwaashin Lodge Centre for Indigenous Women: Website

  3. Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health: 613-748-0657 Website

  4. Distress Centre of Ottawa: 613-238-3311 (24 hours a day/7 days a week) - Emotional support, crisis management, and referrals.

  5. Métis Nation of Ontario: 1-877-767-7572 (24/7 crisis and addictions line) or 613-217-3143 (non-urgent support for children and youth).

  6. The Mental Health Crisis Line: 613-722-6914 (24 hours a day/7 days a week) - Compassionate crisis support.

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Provincial (Ontario)​

  1. Talk 4 Healing: 1-855-554-HEAL (Available in 14 languages) - Support for Indigenous women.

  2. Ontario Online & Text Crisis Services: Chat and text available from 2:00 pm to 2:00 am at #258258.

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National 

  1. National Indian Residential School Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419 (24 hours a day) - Support for former students and affected individuals.

  2. Hope for Wellness Helpline: 1-855-242-3310 (24/7) - Telephone counselling available in multiple languages. Website

  3. Native Youth Crisis Line: 1-877-209-1266 (24/7) - Crisis line for Indigenous youth in Canada and the U.S.

  4. Non-Insured Health Benefits: 1-800-640-0642 - Information on mental health counselling support for those with Status.

  5. Free Mental Health Counselling for Residential School Survivors: Chat available from 2:00 PM to 2:00 AM or text “SUPPORT” to 258258. Website

Resources

Learning Resources

These resources provide opportunities for learning, reflection, and active participation in Truth and Reconciliation efforts in Canada.

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1. National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR)
Website: nctr.ca
The NCTR houses the history and documents related to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and provides educational resources, reports, and survivor stories.

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2. Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action
The TRC's 94 Calls to Action outline steps for healing and reconciliation in Canada.
Document: Calls to Action PDF

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3. Orange Shirt Day Official Website
Website: orangeshirtday.org
Learn more about Orange Shirt Day, which coincides with National Truth and Reconciliation Day, and how to participate in the movement to honor residential school survivors.

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4. Government of Canada: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Website: canada.ca
Provides information on the significance of the day, government initiatives, and ways to observe.

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5. Legacy of Hope Foundation
Website: legacyofhope.ca
An Indigenous-led organization dedicated to educating Canadians on the residential school system and its lasting impacts through exhibitions, workshops, and programs.

 

6. Project of Heart
Website: projectofheart.ca
An educational initiative that seeks to promote awareness of Indigenous history, residential schools, and the reconciliation process.

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7. Indigenous Watchdog
Website: indigenouswatchdog.org
Tracks progress on the TRC's Calls to Action, providing updates on government and community actions related to reconciliation efforts.

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9. First Nations Child & Family Caring Society
Website: fncaringsociety.com
This organization advocates for the well-being of First Nations children and families and provides resources to support reconciliation efforts.

Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition

Mailing Address:
2323 St. Laurent Blvd.
Ottawa, ON K1G 4J8

Office Address:

150 Elgin St.

Ottawa, ON K2P 1L4

Email: info@ottawaaboriginalcoalition.ca

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We acknowledge the gift of being on Anishnabek territory and specifically on Algonquin Territory. We want to recognize the two closest Algonquin First Nation communities: Kitigan Zibi and the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan. We also recognize that today - Ottawa is a gathering place for First Nations, Inuit and Métis from across Canada. This land acknowledgement commits us to the original relationship we were building together – through friendship and peace.

© 2025 by Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition

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