Each year, on September 30th, we mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. On this day, we honour the children who never returned home as a result of residential schools, Survivors, and Intergenerational Survivors. This day serves as a reminder that truth-telling and reconciliation are the responsibilities of all settlers. Below, you can learn more about residential schools in Canada, reconciliation efforts, and the rich cultures and histories of Indigenous Peoples.
Jay Odjick and Michael Hutchinson
Join bestselling children’s authors and illustrators, Jay Odjick, opens a new window (illustrator of Blackflies & Bear for Breakfast, written by Robert Munsch) and Michael Hutchinson, opens a new window (author of the Mighty Muskrats Mystery series) for this special prerecorded library presentation. These videos were made in partnership with the libraries of Durham and York Region.
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Jay Odjick
Works of Jay Odjick
Michael Hutchinson
Works of Michael Hutchinson
Learn About Residential Schools in Canada
For over a century, residential schools operated in Canada, removing over 150,000 Indigenous children from their homes. Learn more about what happened in residential schools by listening to Survivor’s stories.
Residential Schools
What Is Orange Shirt Day?
Residential School History
Oral Histories and Survivor Stories
Did You Live Near a Residential School?
Learn How You Can Further Reconciliation Efforts
Reconciliation is often mistaken as a government-only issue. But reconciliation starts at the individual level with education. Learn more about what you can do to further reconciliation efforts.
Learn how you can further Reconciliation Efforts
Read Indigenous
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Helpful Books
Discover our Blogs
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Discover our Blogs
Why Everyone Has a Role to Play in Reconciliation
What Are Treaties and How Do They Apply to You?
Things you can do to further reconciliation efforts
Land Acknowledgement
We acknowledge the traditional territories of Indigenous Peoples and their commitment to stewardship of the Land. We acknowledge the communities in circle. The North, West, South and Eastern directions, and Haudenosaunee, Huron-Wendat, Anishnabeg, Seneca, Chippewa, and the current treaty holders, Mississaugas of the Credit peoples. We share the responsibility with the caretakers of this land to ensure the dish is never empty and to restore relationships that are based on peace, friendship, and trust. We are committed to reconciliation, partnership and enhanced understanding.
