The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also referred to as Orange Shirt Day, takes place every year in Canada on September 30. It is a day 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.” (Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada).

Established in response to Call to Action 80 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR) as a federal statutory holiday, received Royal Assent on June 3, 2021. The Day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities.

While UPEI will be closed on September 30 and there will be no classes as it is a statutory holiday, we will mark the NDTR with some focused events and observances on campus from September 24–September 30. Learn more

On Wednesday, September 30, the Official Ceremony of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation will take place at 11:30 am in front of the Shaw Building located at 95 Rochford Street in Charlottetown. During this time, the flags at the provincial building will be lowered as a mark of respect and a moment of silence will be observed at 12 noon. (UPEI will also lower the flags on campus to half-mast on September 30.)

Please note: The National Residential School Crisis Line offers emotional support and crisis referral services for residential school Survivors and their families. The toll-free crisis line number is 1-866-925-4419. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.