Each year, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. On this day, we come together to reflect, learn, and honour Survivors of residential schools, their families, and the children who never returned home.
This year, a range of activities will take place across our campuses and in the broader community, offering opportunities for students and employees to take part in learning, reflection, and dialogue.
OTTAWA
Jack Doyle Athletics and Recreation Centre (ARC) Bridge
The Algonquin Students’ Association will light up the internal ARC bridge in orange. This highly visible display sends a clear message of love and support to survivors, while also raising awareness in the surrounding community of our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation.
Students’ Association, ReconciliAction Tuesday, September 30, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Student Commons
Students and employees are invited to write an action they’d like to take this year toward reconciliation on
an orange cut-out shirt. All completed shirts will be displayed together as a powerful collective installation, showcasing our community’s shared commitment to reconciliation and meaningful change.
Film Screening and Discussion, Tuesday, September 30, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Observatory
The Mamidosewin Centre and the Student Association invite you to a special screening of Rhymes for Young Ghouls in the Observatory.
This powerful Canadian drama, set in the 1970s on a Mi’kmaq reserve, follows 15-year-old Aila as she navigates loss, corruption, and the looming threat of residential schools. The film highlights the resilience of Indigenous youth while exposing the lasting impacts of colonialism and systemic oppression.
Both educational and emotional, Rhymes for Young Ghouls offers an important perspective that supports ongoing conversations on Truth and Reconciliation.Students, employees, and community members are welcome to attend, reflect, and engage in dialogue about what Truth and Reconciliation means today. Registration required.
Marketplace: Three Sisters soup will be available to buy in the Marketplace.
PEMBROKE
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Tuesday, September 30, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Meet at Flag Poles
In honour of National Truth and Reconciliation Day on September 30, the Pembroke Campus will hold a Vigil from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Participants are asked to meet at the Three Flags and proceed together to form a circle on the shores of Kitchi Sibi for smudging, Land Acknowledgment, and an opening prayer, followed by the Welcoming Song. An apology to former students in residential schools will be offered, and the ceremony will close with a vigil.
Following the Vigil, a special fest will be available for sale in Food Services, including Bannock, wild rice with cranberries and Three Sisters soup available from 12:00 p.m.- 1:00 p.m.
Student Association, ReconciliAction Tuesday, September 30, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Commons
Students and employees will be invited to write an action they’d like to take this year toward reconciliation on an orange cut-out shirt. All completed shirts will be displayed together as a powerful collective installation, showcasing our community’s shared commitment to reconciliation and meaningful change.
PERTH
Student Association, Orange Shirt Day: Pledge Wall of Commitment, Tuesday, September 30, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Perth Student Commons
On Orange Shirt Day, an Information and Pledge Table will be set up in front of the fireplace in the Perth Student Commons from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Students are invited to pick up an Orange Shirt Day sticky note and write down a personal act of reconciliation they will commit to, such as learning about local Indigenous history, attending an Indigenous-led event, engaging in meaningful conversations about reconciliation, or supporting Indigenous businesses and artists. Completed pledges can be submitted to the Perth Operations Coordinator to be displayed on the Pledge Wall, creating a collective reminder of our community’s commitment to truth and reconciliation. To show their support, Perth SA staff will also be wearing orange shirts throughout the day.
We encourage everyone to wear orange on September 30 to show your support. Campus Services are offering branded Every Child Matters T-shirts for sale at Connections.