National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30) honours the lost children and survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. It was moving to see so many people wearing orange shirts, for September 30 is also Orange Shirt Day. Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative event inspired by the experience of Phyllis Webstad, a Northern Secwpemc (Shuswap) from the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation. On her first day of school, Phyllis arrived dressed wearing a new orange shirt, which was taken from her—a moment that symbolizes the stripping away of culture, freedom, and self-esteem endured by Indigenous children for generations. This day honours Survivors and remembers the children who were forced into residential schools and never returned to their families.

Thank you to all Hospital, Health Research Institute, Health Sciences Foundation staff, professional staff, volunteers and learners who participated by wearing orange shirts, an outward symbol of commitment to reconciliation and hope for a better future.