Every Child Matters

Truth and Reconciliation

Held each year on September 30, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was recognized by the Canadian government beginning in 2021, in direct response to Call to Action #80 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to take part in this important collective commemoration intended to honour the Survivors of Canada’s residential school system, their families and communities, and to ensure that public recognition of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.

Before becoming recognized by the Canadian government as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, September 30 was known as Orange Shirt Day. Orange Shirt Day grew out of Phyllis (Jack) Webstad’s story of having her “shiny new orange shirt” forcibly taken away from her on her first day of residential school. Orange Shirt Day was created to build awareness of the individual, family, and community intergenerational impacts of Canada's residential schools. Read Phyllis' story in her own words.

OCAD U students, faculty and staff are encouraged to wear orange and take time to learn more about the impacts of Canada’s residential school system and the experiences of its Survivors.

Events at OCAD U

NO CLASSES
On National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, Tuesday, Sept. 30, a reminder that no classes are scheduled.


ORANGE SHIRT PIN AND TOQUE FUNDRAISER
The Indigenous Student Centre, along with volunteers from the OCAD U community, have been making orange shirt pins for an Orange Shirt Day fundraiser. These pins, along with orange toques, will be for sale from Sept. 23 to 25, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the lobby of 100 McCaul St.

Funds raised are being donated to the Survivors’ Secretariat, a survivor-led, community-centred and trauma-informed organization established to Uncover, Document, and Share the truth about what happened to the children at the Mohawk Institute Indian Residential School.


SUNRISE CEREMONY
A sunrise ceremony, with Elder Liz Osawamick and the Eagleheart Singers, is taking place in Butterfield Park at 7 a.m. Members from the OCAD U community are invited to attend and encouraged to wear orange.


Ita Kaa Kwaapikayhk / Watering Place
Coinciding with National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Associate Professor Jason Baerg is organizing Ita Kaa Kwaapikayhk / Watering Place, an exhibition bringing together a diverse group of local Métis artists to celebrate continuity. This exhibition serves as an informal homage to resilience, recognizing past traumas while emphasizing our ancestors' love and joy – values that transcend any imposed violence or restriction.

The event is taking place on Oct. 1 at 6 p.m. at the OCAD U Graduate Gallery, 205 Richmond St. W., ground floor. Special thanks to the Toronto Arts Council for supporting some of the media art featured in this group exhibition. 

External Events

The Toronto Council Fire Indigenous Legacy Gathering is organizing a series of activities being held on September 29 and September 30. There will be opportunities to explore Indigenous culture through hands-on workshops, music, dance and performance at Nathan Phillips Square (100 Queen St. West). 


The Annual Pow Wow - Native Child and Family Services of Toronto, will take place in Dufferin Grove Park (875 Dufferin St.) at noon on Saturday, October 4. There will also be a sunrise ceremony at 6 a.m.

Resources

Learn more about the Indigenous community at OCAD U:

Learn more about Canada's Indian Residential School system, and the survivor, family and intergeneration impacts on this country's Indigenous peoples: 

Learn more about the Indigenous community in Tkaronto and Ontario: 

Learn about the treaties:

Learn more about the story of Indigenous peoples in the place we now call Canada: 

Learn about national Indigenous political and advocacy organizations: 

Wellness supports

The list below contains 24/7 support services for Indigenous people. 

  • Indian Residential School Crisis Line (For Survivors and Family) 1-866-925-4419 
  • Kids Help Phone Indigenous people can connect with an Indigenous crisis responder by messaging FIRST NATIONS, INUIT, or METIS to 686868 for young people and 741741 for adults or through  Facebook Messenger 
  • FNMI Hope for Wellness Hotline 1-855-242-3310 
  • Anishnawbe Mental Health Crisis Line 416- 891-8606 
  • Talk4Healing Indigenous Women 1-855-554-4325 
  • Aboriginal Crisis Intervention Line 416-531-0330  

Additional supports: 

More Information

For more information, please contact the Office of the Vice-President, Academic and Provost at vpap@ocadu.ca.