Truth and Reconciliation: Building a culture beyond just one day.

Discover events, books, and practical steps employers can take to honour Truth and Reconciliation Day and embed reconciliation year-round.

Overview

Recognizing Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR) is a necessary step in acknowledging the injustices faced by Indigenous communities in Canada.

Both observances take place on September 30^th, to honour the experiences of Indigenous children who were taken from their families and placed in residential schools, where many suffered abuse and cultural erasure. This day is a reminder of the ongoing impacts of these schools and the resilience of survivors.

It is about acknowledging a truth that has too often been ignored. For employers, it’s a chance to model what it means to listen, to learn, and to act.

Why and how companies can acknowledge this day:

When a workplace chooses to acknowledge this day, it sends a clear message: we value respect, inclusion, and reconciliation. It shows Indigenous employees and partners that their history matters. It also encourages all employees to think about how reconciliation fits into their daily lives and work.

Observing the day shouldn’t feel like “checking a box.” Instead, it can be the start of building a workplace culture that takes reconciliation seriously. Here are a few practical ideas:

• Keep participation voluntary. This day can bring up painful emotions. Allow employees to engage in ways that feel right for them.
• Host learning sessions. Organize workshops, panels, or webinars to educate staff about Orange Shirt Day, residential schools, and their ongoing impacts.
• Allow flexibility. Offer time off or flexible scheduling so Indigenous employees can attend ceremonies and community events, and so all staff have space to reflect.
• Share resources. Highlight books, films, podcasts, or courses such as 4 Seasons of Reconciliation. Use newsletters or social channels to spotlight Indigenous employees, partners, or initiatives.
• Invite Indigenous voices. Bring in an Elder, survivor, or speaker to share lived experience. These conversations often leave a stronger impact than written materials alone.
• Wear orange. Encourage staff to wear orange shirts as a visible sign of solidarity and consider holding a moment of silence to honour survivors and the children who never came home.

Moving beyond just one day:

In the 94 calls-to-action laid out by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, the last act is specifically directed toward businesses. It asks the corporate sector to take responsibility for reconciliation in the workplace.

For employers, this begins with policies. Policies are not just paperwork; they are signals of what an organization values and protects. Embedding reconciliation into policies ensures that commitments are consistent, not just symbolic. Here are some practical steps to consider:

• Update anti-racism and inclusion policies. Ensure your policies explicitly address the unique challenges and systemic discrimination faced by Indigenous communities. Include language that supports cultural sensitivity and promotes allyship.
• Support indigenous education and career growth. Offer tuition reimbursement, flexible schedules for those studying part-time, or mentorship programs that build skills. Helping Indigenous employees grow in their careers is reconciliation in action.
• Buy from Indigenous businesses. Partner with Indigenous suppliers, contractors, and artists. Purchasing items such as Orange Shirt Day merchandise, supports Indigenous entrepreneurs and communities.
• Allocate resources to Indigenous causes. Consider donations, sponsorships, or partnerships with Indigenous-led charities, events, or organizations. Even small contributions can support cultural programming, education, or community development.
• Promote Indigenous voices internally. Share personal stories from Indigenous employees through spotlights, blog posts, or social media. This not only amplifies their voices but also helps other employees learn from lived experience.

Events happening around you:

• List of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation activities across Canada
• Lunch and Learn Recordings: Online programming by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, open to schools, workplaces, and individuals.
• Sept. 29, 2026: TRC Mawi’omi, Charlottetown, PE. A gathering which will include several activities aimed at increasing awareness, fostering community relationships, and ensuring that the narratives of Indigenous peoples are honoured and understood.
• Sept. 29, 2026: Flag-raising Event, Halifax, NS. Residents are invited to attend the flag-raising in Grand Parade in front of Halifax City Hall.
• Sept. 30, 2026: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation events in Halifax, NS. There are various events happening in the Halifax region, including a flag raising ceremony, presentations, and film screenings.
• Sept. 30, 2026: Psi-te Npomawsuwinuwok (All My People) Wabanaki Gathering, Fredericton, NB. A gathering that focuses on healing and celebrating Indigenous peoples, their resiliency and their cultures.
• Sept. 30, 2026: Healing Walk in Saint John, NB. A community walk for reflection and healing in Rockwood Park.
• Sept. 30, 2026: Truth and Reconciliation Film: Brothers Islands, Imperial Theatre, Saint John, NB. A 20-minute film followed by Indigenous community members speaking about their experiences visiting the islands.
• Sept. 30, 2026: First Light’s Rally for Reconciliation, St. John’s, NL. The event will include a small Memorial Walk displaying items, quotes and symbols.
• Sept. 30, 2026: Secret Path Film Screening, Corner Brook, NL. Qalipu First Nation will host a special screening of Secret Path, followed by a facilitated discussion.