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The residential school system is a topic that can cause trauma from memories of past abuse. Messages around the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation can be an unwelcome reminder to those who suffered hardships through generations of government policies that were harmful to Indigenous Peoples. A 24-hour support line (1-866-925-4419) provides crisis referral services to survivors and their families and explains how to access further health support from the Government of Canada. The Hope for Wellness Helpline provides immediate, culturally safe, crisis intervention support for First Nations, Inuit and Métis, 24 hours a day, seven days a week through its hotline, 1-855-242-3310, or its online chat at hopeforwellness.ca. The service is available in English, French and, upon request, in Cree, Ojibway and Inuktitut.
OTTAWA, Ancestral Algonquin Territory, September 30, 2026
The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages, the Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, the Honorable Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, and the Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services, issued the following statement to honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation:
“On this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we honour the memory, resilience and courage of the tens of thousands of victims and Survivors, their families, loved ones and communities who have endured—and continue to live with—the intergenerational trauma of the residential school system.
Residential schools were a central component of a colonial policy of assimilation that sought to separate First Nations, Inuit and Métis children from their languages, cultures, identities, and family and community ties. The harms caused by this system were profound and continue to impact Survivors, their families and communities today.
We unequivocally reject efforts to deny or diminish the history and devastating impacts of the residential school system. Truth is not only a necessary part of reconciliation—it is the foundation. Listening to Survivors and respecting Indigenous Peoples’ lived experiences, knowledge and leadership are essential to understanding the past and addressing ongoing impacts.
To amplify the voices and hopes of Survivors, victims and their families, Residential School Survivor Phyllis Webstad created Orange Shirt Day: Every Child Matters. Observed on September 30, this day raises awareness about the history of residential schools and the lasting impact they have had on First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples.
We invite all Canadians to take the time to learn, to listen to the voices of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples, to participate in community events led by Indigenous Peoples and to wear an orange shirt as a gesture of solidarity and remembrance.
But reconciliation also requires concrete actions and a commitment that extends far beyond this day. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to continuing the work set out in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, in partnership with First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples. With respect for their leadership, knowledge and priorities, we will continue to move forward with responsibility and determination to address the Calls to Action.
Reconciliation is a collective journey that requires humility and courage. Together, let us continue working toward a future grounded in truth, respect, healing and justice—one that honours Survivors and their families and supports the well-being and self-determination of generations to come.”
