National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Events and Resources
The Survivors’ Flag, an expression of remembrance, meant to honour residential school survivors and all the lives and communities impacted by the residential school system in Canada, flies over University Hall.
September 30 is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a time to reflect on the tragic history and ongoing inter-generational impact of residential schools, honour the survivors and mourn the children that never came home.
Also known as Orange Shirt Day, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is inspired by the story of residential school survivor Phyllis Webstad whose new orange shirt, a gift from her grandmother, was taken from her after arriving at St. Joseph Mission Residential School at the age of six.
Now, the wearing of an orange shirt on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation has become a symbol of the way in which the culture, freedom and self-esteem of Indigenous peoples were stripped away by church and state authorities over many generations.
In 2021, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was established by the Parliament of Canada in response to Call to Action 80 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s final report, which called for the creation of a national day of commemoration.
“September 30 is an important recognition of the terrible legacy of residential schools, but it’s also a time of hope,” says Rob Innes, chair of the Indigenous Studies Program and co-chair of the newly formed Truth and Reconciliation Communications Committee. “It’s an opportunity for all Canadians to listen to the experiences of survivors and learn more about the revitalization of Indigenous cultures, languages and heritage taking place on our campus and in communities across Canada.”
From Sept. 23 – 27, events and educational programming — both on campus and in the community — will provide students, faculty and staff with opportunities to learn more about the impacts of Canada’s residential school system.
“Each of us has a role in building a culture of Truth and Reconciliation on our campus,” says McMaster University President David Farrar. “I thank faculty, staff and students, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous for the incredible work they are doing to support opportunities for cultural learning and understanding on our campus, on September 30 and through the year.”
While the university will remain open, there will be no classes or on-campus events on Monday, September 30 to hold space for mourning and reflection.
Read more about Indigenous research, education, student experience and leadership at McMaster
Below are campus and community events and educational resources in support of the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.
EVENTS ON CAMPUS
Purchase an Orange Shirt
- Orange “Every Child Matters” T-shirts are available for sale at the Campus Store (pre-orders were available until Sept. 15). Proceeds from the sale of the shirts will support Indigenous initiatives at McMaster.
- AISES, McMaster’s club for Indigenous students in STEM, will be selling Orange Shirts at The Drain (Hatch Centre, first floor) during its operating hours. Proceeds from the sale of the shirts are going to the McMaster AISES Chapter and Moccasin Identifier.
Indigenous Vendor Market
Sept. 23, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. | MUSC Marketplace,
Join Indigenous Student Services in the MUSC Marketplace to discover a number of local Indigenous vendors and their creations!
Who can attend: All are welcome
Truth and Reconciliation Presentation, featuring Dr. Rick Monture
Sept. 23, 1:15 – 3:30 p.m. | LRW 1811
The Indigenous Studies Department is partnering with Woodland Cultural Centre for a streaming of the Centre’s Truth and Reconciliation presentation, followed by discussions with McMaster professor, Dr. Rick Monture, as he shares powerful stories and historical perspectives.
As seating is limited, members of the McMaster community will also be able to view this presentation virtually – details to come.
Who can attend: All are welcome
Indigenous Health Learning Lodge Open House
Sept. 24, 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. | MDCL 3510
The Indigenous Health Learning Lodge is celebrating the start of the 2024-2025 academic year with an open house. Come connect with our vibrant community, learn about our initiatives, and meet passionate individuals dedicated to promoting Indigenous health and wellbeing. LEARN MORE
Who can attend: Faculty of Health Sciences faculty, staff and students
McMaster Marauders Orange Shirt Games
Sept. 28 | Ron Joyce Stadium
Join McMaster’s Indigenous Student Athlete Council on Super Saturday for the McMaster men’s and women’s soccer and rugby games. This event aims to commemorate National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, while celebrating the sports community’s commitment to reconciliation and Indigenous support. The event will include Indigenous vendors, as well as involvement from the Iroquois Roots Rugby program.
When: Women’s Soccer – 12 p.m., Men’s Soccer – 2:15 p.m., Women’s Rugby – 6 p.m., Men’s Rugby – 8 p.m. | Tickets: www.marauders.ca/tickets (Soccer only)
Who can attend: All are welcome
Screenings of Indian Horse
Sept. 29, 9:30 a.m. | Landmark Cinemas in Hamilton, Niagara, Welland
The Undergraduate Medical Education program, in partnership with the Indigenous Health Learning Lodge, is hosting screenings of Indian Horse at the following Landmark Cinema locations:
Hamilton: Jackson Square Landmark 6 Cinema, 2 King St. W., Hamilton
Niagara Region: Landmark Cinemas St. Catharines, 221 Glendale Ave., St. Catharines
Waterloo: Landmark Cinemas Waterloo, 415 The Boardwalk, Waterloo
This powerful film tells the story of Saul Indian Horse, a young Ojibwe boy who faces the harsh realities of residential schools and finds solace in hockey. Don’t miss this opportunity to reflect, learn, and engage in meaningful conversation.
Those interested in attending can register here. Tickets are by donation. Individuals are asked to bring diapers and menstrual products, which will be donated to local community agencies.
Who can attend: All are welcome
Indigenous Studies Department Book Club – Beautiful Scars by Tom Wilson
The Indigenous Studies Department (ISD) is excited to announce Beautiful Scars: Steeltown Secrets, Mohawk Skywalkers and the Road Home by Tom Wilson as our Fall 2024 book club selection.
McMaster students, staff, and faculty are invited to join the Fall 2024 community book club discussions hosted by ISD in partnership with Indigenous Student Services to foster open dialogue and discussion:
Discussion #1 | Tuesday October 29, 2024 | 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Discussion #2 | December 3, 2024 | 12 p.m. -1 p.m.
The first 100 registered participants are eligible to receive a free copy of the book. REGISTER HERE
Soup Day for McMaster Indigenous Community
Oct. 1, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Indigenous Student Services (ISS), LRW 1811
In recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the McMaster Indigenous Community is invited to drop in to ISS (LRW 1811) on Tuesday October 1 to gather for a bowl of traditional soup and a private space together.
Who can attend: Indigenous faculty, staff and students only
COMMUNITY EVENTS AND PROGRAMMING
Woodland Cultural Centre Virtual Programming
Sept 16 – 27, 2024
The Woodland Cultural Centre is excited to announce our Orange Shirt Day programming! This September we will be having Truth and Reconciliation virtual events for two weeks. There is virtual programming for elementary and in-depth programming for middle and high school, as well as educational opportunities for Organizations. LEARN MORE
Who can attend: All are welcome
Art Gallery of Hamilton- Speakers of Truth: The ongoing legacy of Federal Day Schools
Sept. 26, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. | RSVP Preferred
SPEAKERS OF TRUTH is an ongoing series of ‘kitchen table’ talks led by Indigenous activists, protectors and educators covering topics essential to Truth and Reconciliation; this month’s event will focus on the complex truth about the history and the ongoing legacy of Federal Day Schools. This is a hybrid event. Attend in person OR online. LEARN MORE
Who can attend: All are welcome
Hamilton Regional Indian Centre Programming
Sept 27 and 28 | Gage Park, Hamilton
Join the Hamilton Regional Indian Centre for its third annual Truth and Reconciliation event at the Gage Park bandshell. This event will include vendors, speakers, Elders, knowledge keepers, drumming, dancing, food and more. LEARN MORE
Who can attend: All are welcome
Woodland Cultural Centre In-Person Programming
Sept. 30, 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.| Woodland Cultural Centre
Join the Woodland Cultural Centre to Honour Orange Shirt Day. Activities include a screening of the film Silent No More, a Survivor talk and Q&A, Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) activities, and more. LEARN MORE
Who can attend: All are welcome
WALK TOWARDS TRUTH
Oct. 5, 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.| GoodMinds, 188 Mohawk Street Brantford, ON N3T 5T6
A WALK TOWARDS TRUTH is a reflective fundraising walk for Settlers to honour Indigenous survivors, families and communities. On Saturday, October 5, we will walk for the children who, by no choice of their own, were forced into residential schools and stripped of everything they once knew. The WALK TOWARDS TRUTH is symbolic of the journey the children took when escaping the residential school to return to their families. Sadly, many did not make it. Those that did survive carry with them the trauma and sorrow of their loss from families, languages, songs, teachings and ceremonies. These losses are still felt today. On the walk, together we will engage in reflection to honour those who have been lost and Indigenous residential school survivors. LEARN MORE
All Funds raised will go to the We Matter Campaign, an Indigenous youth-lead organization dedicated to Indigenous youth support, hope and life promotion.
Who can attend: All are welcome
RESOURCES FOR INFORMATION AND PERSONAL LEARNING
- Save the Evidence Campaign (Woodland Cultural Centre, Brantford)
