National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Each year, September 30 marks National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.
This federal statutory holiday was created through legislative amendments made by Parliament.
- Learn about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and how it should be observed.
- Discover ways to participate in the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
- Take a look at some small, everyday acts as well as some more provocative ones that Canadians can undertake, all of which encourage people to think about Indigenous-settler relationships in new ways.
- Read this article outlining 10 simple actions you can take to learn more about reconciliation.
Please see our General Resources page to learn more about truth and reconciliation.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Langara
At the federal level, the Truth and Reconciliation Committee, which operated from 2008 to 2015, documented the experiences of residential school survivors, their families, and affected communities. Among its recommendations, Call to Action 80 specifically urged the establishment of a federal statutory day of commemoration—National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Since 2021, the College has offered different learning opportunities to learn and reflect during the week leading up to NDTR. This year, Langara's Truth and Reconciliation Committee is inviting the College community to come to the offerings that will be available next week, September 25-27, and learn about residential schools and their impact today.
Learn from Sep 30 and beyond
This public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process. We hope to see you.
We acknowledge that these offerings are happening on the traditional, ancestral, unceded, and present-day lands of the Musqueam who have stewarded them since time immemorial.
Events 2024
snəw̓eyəɬ leləm Langara College held several events throughout the week of September 25-27. You can see photos here.
General Info
Cultural and Emotional Safety
As educators, acknowledging these events in class involves careful planning and consideration. Creating a safe and brave space for truth-telling within our learning circles requires an ethical and responsible approach where learners feel “that their unique cultural background is respected, and they are free to be themselves without being judged, put on the spot, or asked to speak for all members of the group.”
To avoid re-traumatization, provide choice. Allow students or staff to speak about their experiences in a way that is comfortable for them.
