September 30, 2025 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Bluewater District School Board (BWDSB) joins others across Canada in honouring and remembering the children who never returned home, along with the survivors, families, and communities impacted by Canada’s residential school system. This day commemorates the painful legacy and lasting trauma of these institutions, while encouraging us to reaffirm our commitment to the ongoing journey of reconciliation.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was established in response to Call to Action 80 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. It coincides with Orange Shirt Day, where Canadians are urged to wear orange to demonstrate that “Every Child Matters.” The orange shirt symbolizes the attempts to erase the culture, identity, and traditions of Indigenous children and their communities. The beginnings of the tradition can be traced back to the story of six-year-old student Phyllis (Jack) Webstad, whose new orange shirt was confiscated by staff on her first day attending residential school. Learn more about Orange Shirt Day.
BWDSB's Multi-Year Strategic Plan includes the goal to “continue progress towards reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.” Collectively and individually, we continue to work with our local communities to remember those lost, acknowledge the survivors’ resilience, and raise awareness that reconciliation is an ongoing endeavour.
Students, staff, and families are encouraged to wear orange on September 30 as a gesture of solidarity and reconciliation. Schools are dedicating the day to sharing learning resources, storytelling, hosting and/or participating in events and assemblies, and promoting dialogue. As always, meaningful engagement in reconciliation extends beyond one day and is a year-round commitment in our BWDSB schools and work sites.
Resources
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The Witness Blanket
The Witness Blanket is an interactive digital version of a large-scale work of art of items reclaimed from residential schools, churches, government buildings and traditional and cultural structures from across Canada.
Resources recommended by Historica Canada
Historica Canada Education Guide
Listen to these three podcast episodes that share various perspectives on the residential school experience:
First Nations Experiences
Inuit Experiences
Métis Experiences
Discover Chanie Wenjack’s story through videos and connected learning tools:
Chanie Wenjack Heritage Minute
Chanie Wenjack Teacher Resource
Read these Canadian Encyclopedia articles to go in-depth on the topic:
Residential Schools
Residential Schools (plain-language summary article)
Resistance and Residential Schools
Intergenerational Trauma and Residential Schools