National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation & Orange Shirt Day Gathering

Join Dalton Associates and the Township of Centre Wellington for a special evening of remembrance, reflection, action, and learning in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day.

Orange Shirt Day was inspired by the story of Phyllis Webstad, a residential school survivor. In 1973, at just six years old, Phyllis arrived at St. Joseph Mission Residential School in British Columbia wearing a brand-new orange shirt that was taken from her on her first day. That shirt came to symbolize the loss of identity, culture, and language experienced by children in residential schools. When Phyllis shared her story in 2013, it sparked a movement that continues to raise awareness and encourage reconciliation across Canada.

This special evening will feature an intimate presentation by Leo Stands Alone Atlookan of Eabametoong First Nation, joined by his brother Elmer, who plays the flute and hand drum. A woodland dancer will also share cultural teachings and reflections. Together, they will speak to the lasting impacts of residential schools on families, communities, and Nations.

📅 Tuesday, September 30, 2025
🕖 7:00 p.m.
📍 Fergus Grand Theatre - 244 St. Andrew Street W - Fergus

👉 Please visit the Culture Days website to register. We encourage everyone to wear orange in solidarity.

Virtual Events

Participate in free virtual lunch & learns hosted by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. Sessions run daily at 1:00 p.m. September 22 - 26, 2025, and are offered via ZOOM and YouTube livestream.  Register here

Schedule:

• Monday, Sept. 22 – Surviving the Residential School System
• Tuesday, Sept. 23 – Uncovering the Truth: Ground Searches
• Wednesday, Sept. 24 – The Ongoing Legacy of the Residential School System
• Thursday, Sept. 25 – Reflecting on the TRC’s Calls to Action 10 Years Later
• Friday, Sept. 26 – Confronting Residential School Denialism

Ongoing Learning Opportunities

Reconciliation is not just one day of the year; it is an ongoing journey that requires us all to listen, learn, and take meaningful action. Explore resources through:

• Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund
• Canadian Heritage 
• National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
• The Indigenous Foundation

Guided Learning Journey

This educational tool is structured with a hands-on and immersive approach to engaging with the legacy of residential schools and the broader movement to return Indigenous lands and decision-making to Indigenous communities. This journey invites participants to interact with the land, listen to survivors, and reflect deeply on what decolonization can look like in practice.

Download Now

Educational Resources

This National Day for Truth and Reconciliation resource provides a concise overview of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation history, background, actionable steps, and additional resources to build understanding of past and present harms and encourages engagement towards healing and rebuilding for the future.

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Let’s continue this journey together.