Updated September 2026: This article was originally published in 2023 and has been refreshed to reflect current 2026 programming, resources and links. Reconciliation is ongoing, and we will continue to revisit and update this resource as we learn.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is September 30, observed alongside Orange Shirt Day. The day honours the children who never returned home from residential schools, Survivors, their families and communities, while recognizing the ongoing and intergenerational impacts of the residential school system.
For workplaces, September 30 is an opportunity to reflect and learn, but reconciliation cannot be limited to a single day.
Truth and reconciliation is ongoing. It asks us to continue learning about the history and present-day experiences of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples, listen to Indigenous voices, and consider how the decisions we make as individuals, leaders and organizations can contribute to meaningful change.
At Artemis, we’ve compiled recommendations and resources from Indigenous-led organizations and educators to help workplaces learn, reflect and take action, on September 30 and throughout the year.
The history of residential schools is painful. For non-Indigenous people, understanding that history and its ongoing impact is an important part of reconciliation.
The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation remains one of the most comprehensive places to begin, housing Survivor statements, historical records, educational materials and the reports of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Orange Shirt Day began as an Indigenous-led movement inspired by the experience of Phyllis Webstad, whose new orange shirt was taken from her when she arrived at residential school as a child.
On September 30:
Wearing orange can be a visible act of solidarity, but it is most meaningful when accompanied by learning and ongoing action.
Reconciliation should extend beyond September 30 and into the practices, relationships and decisions organizations make throughout the year.
Workplaces can:
The goal is not to perform reconciliation for one day. It is to keep moving from awareness toward responsibility and action.
Economic participation is another area where organizations can make intentional choices.
Consider Indigenous-owned businesses when selecting vendors, suppliers, consultants, gifts or professional services. The Government of Canada maintains an Indigenous Business Directory, while the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business offers resources to help organizations build stronger relationships with Indigenous businesses and communities.
Individuals can also support Indigenous artists, writers, creators, tourism operators and community organizations by purchasing their work, attending events, sharing their voices and recommending their businesses.
Conversations about residential schools can be difficult or traumatic, particularly for Survivors, their families and Indigenous communities.
Reconciliation looks different for every person and organization, but it asks more of us than acknowledgement.
September 30 creates an important moment to listen, learn and remember. What matters just as much is what we carry forward into October, into our workplaces, and into the decisions we make throughout the rest of the year.
We hope these resources provide a place to begin, or to continue.
Read more insights from our team.
.jpg)
.png)
Founded by Kristina McDougall in 2013, Artemis has grown to become Canada’s most trusted boutique executive search firm for startups.
We recognize that our work takes place on the traditional lands of the Attawandaron, Anishinaabeg, Haudenosaunee, and Mississaugas of the Credit. We honour Indigenous stewardship and commit to embedding reconciliation into our work, holding ourselves and our clients accountable.