09/30/2025
🧡 Today is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR) 🧡
September 30 is a day to honour the children who never returned home from residential schools, the Survivors, their families, and communities. This day was established in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #80, creating a statutory day of commemoration so that the tragic history and ongoing impacts of the residential school system are never forgotten.
NDTR is also known as Orange Shirt Day, inspired by the story of Phyllis Webstad, whose new orange shirt was taken away on her first day at a residential school. The orange shirt has become a powerful symbol that “Every Child Matters.”
Recognizing this day matters because the legacy of residential schools is not just history — it’s a living reality that continues to affect Indigenous families and communities today. By acknowledging the truths of our past, we create space for healing, accountability, and reconciliation.
💡 How you can participate and support in Alberta:
🟠 Wear an orange shirt to show solidarity and start conversations
🪶 Attend local events and ceremonies in your community:
Calgary: Orange Shirt Day Ceremony at The Confluence, storytelling and cultural learning at Heritage Park, library author talks & film screenings
Edmonton: Community Day of Reconciliation at Borden Park, ceremonies at the Reconciliation Garden at the Legislature, programming at the Royal Alberta Museum
📚 Learn, listen, and reflect through Indigenous-led resources, books, and films
🤝 Support Indigenous-owned businesses, artists, and organizations
🗣️ Share what you’re learning and commit to action year-round
We’ve included a list of resources in this post to help deepen understanding and encourage meaningful participation.
At Gateway Association, we recognize that reconciliation is ongoing work that requires learning and unlearning together. Today, we’ll be sharing additional resources, local events, and learning opportunities on our social channels throughout the day — we invite you to follow along and take part.
🧡 MentorAbility Alberta Alberta Employment First Network
