Truth and Reconciliation

Truth and Reconciliation

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is September 30. It is also known as Orange Shirt Day. The day acknowledges the legacy of Canada’s residential school systems and raises awareness of the experiences and impacts these systems have had on Indigenous families and communities.

While the day is a statutory holiday for employees in the federal government and federally regulated workplaces across some provinces, many other workplaces are asking how they can support employees and honour the day in a meaningful way.

First and foremost, truth and reconciliation is ongoing and essential. Residential school findings continue. Our nation’s dialogue, dedication to uncovering the truth, and reconciliation must continue too.

At Artemis, we’ve compiled a list of recommendations and resources from Indigenous leaders. We hope these can help your organization reflect, learn, and honour this day and beyond. Please share your ideas with us so we can build on this list together.

Listen to uncomfortable truths

The stories of Indigenous children and their families are painful to hear. For non-Indigenous people, sitting with these truths is a necessary part of reconciliation and begins with education.

• Read books and articles by Indigenous authors
  
• Look for opportunities to hear survivors speak, whether formally or through following Indigenous creators online
  
• Visit cultural centres and attend local events

Support Orange Shirt Day

Orange Shirt Day began in 2013 to honour residential school survivors and their families. The orange shirt came from the story of Phyllis Jack Webstad, who was stripped of her new orange shirt on her first day at residential school at age six.

• Wear an orange shirt or purchase one where proceeds go toward Indigenous initiatives
• Participate in an Orange Shirt Day event in your community

Support Indigenous-led businesses and organizations

Indigenous-led businesses and organizations reflect the diversity of Indigenous experiences in Canada. Financial support is meaningful, but there are many ways to contribute.

• Follow and share content from Indigenous brands and creators
  
• Look for volunteer opportunities with Indigenous-led initiatives
  
• Write a positive review for an Indigenous-owned business you have supported

Foster truth and reconciliation at work

Reconciliation is not limited to a single day. It can be built into workplace practices and culture.

• Review workplace policies with reconciliation in mind and encourage ongoing education
  
• Offer employees time off on September 30 to reflect on what truth and reconciliation means to them
  
• Host learning and education sessions curated and led by Indigenous leaders, with appropriate compensation for their time and travel
  
• Provide education on the purpose of land acknowledgements
  
• Share resources for employees, including mental health supports through the NCTR, for those who may need them
  
• Encourage employees to take responsibility for their own education and avoid placing the burden of teaching solely on Indigenous colleagues
  
  

Reconciliation looks different for everyone. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation calls us to reflect, learn, and take action. Connecting with Indigenous people in your local community is one of the most meaningful ways to honour this day. We hope these resources help guide your organization as we collectively work toward reconciliation.

Curious about other Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion workplace resources? Visit our website for more.

2025 Truth and Reconciliation resources

Education and learning

• National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) - archives, teaching resources, survivor testimonies
• Reconciliation Through Indigenous Education, UBC - free online course with periodic intakes
• First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education Association of Ontario (FNMIEAO) - educator community and resources
• Indigenous Tourism BC guide for NDTR 2025 - events and context 

Mental health and support

• Hope for Wellness Help Line - 24/7 chat and phone support for Indigenous people: 1-855-242-3310

Cultural and commemoration

• Orange Shirt Society - Phyllis Webstad’s story & official Orange Shirt Day info
• National Indigenous Residential School Museum of Canada
• “Sugarcane” documentary — National Geographic Documentary Films, streaming on Disney+ and Hulu

Indigenous businesses, arts, and voices

• Indigenous Arts Collective of Canada — programs, artists, cultural preservation
• Kobo: Great books by Indigenous writers in Canada - updated staff list 
• 10 Indigenous content creators to follow — Elle Canada roundup