The Greater Toronto Area observed the fifth annual National Day of Truth and Reconciliation on Tuesday through various activities such as flag raising ceremonies, sunrise events, and drumming ceremonies. This day is a tribute to the individuals who suffered under Canada’s residential school system and honors the survivors and affected communities. Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation Greg Rickford announced that government buildings in the province would be illuminated in orange to symbolize this important day.
The National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day, was established in 2013 to honor Phyllis Webstad, a survivor of a residential school who had her orange shirt confiscated on her first day at St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School.
The Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre, in collaboration with the city, organized a sunrise ceremony at Nathan Phillips Square, featuring speeches by Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, an address by Elder Allan Jamieson, and a drumming ceremony. Kevin Myran, an educator at the center, highlighted the significance of drums as symbols of resistance and resilience, representing the Indigenous community’s perseverance against colonial influences.
Niigaan Sinclair, son of Murray Sinclair, who presented the final report findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada a decade ago, emphasized the importance of reflecting on Canada’s complex history while acknowledging the progress made in the past ten years toward reconciliation. He encouraged fostering dialogue and understanding among diverse groups to build a nation that lives up to its name, “Kanata,” meaning “village.”
School boards in the Greater Toronto Area, including the Toronto Catholic District School Board and the Toronto District School Board, organized events to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, engaging students and educators in activities to reflect on the significance of the day. Notably, the TCDSB launched the Orange HeART project, inviting students to create artwork inspired by the TRC’s Calls to Action. Additionally, the TDSB raised the “Every Child Matters” flag as part of its observance of the day.
Despite initial opposition, the Dufferin-Peel Catholic School Board reversed its decision to ban the Every Child Matters flags following criticism and directives from Ontario Education Minister Paul Calandra. The board’s updated protocol now allows the survivors’ flag to be displayed alongside the Canadian and provincial flags at its schools.
