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National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

With sombre hearts, the Region of Durham recognizes and observes September 30 as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. On this day we memorialize and honour the children taken, the families left behind and the survivors of Canada’s residential school system.

Throughout this month, we encourage everyone to reflect on Canada’s legacy of colonialism; the ongoing violence and trauma inflicted on Indigenous communities; and to learn about actions we can take to work towards reconciliation from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action. Without addressing Canada’s tragic history, and its lasting impacts, we cannot move forward.

Ways to get involved

Committing to reconciliation involves learning about Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing, and creating genuine and meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities. It is only when we take these steps and embrace reconciliation in our hearts, minds and actions that we can truly create spaces for healing and understanding.

Join us for the Region of Durham’s Truth and Reconciliation Walk—September 26

On September 26, 2025, the Region is hosting a Truth and Reconciliation Walk.

Participants are asked to meet in the Lower Galleria of Regional Headquarters (605 Rossland Road East, Whitby) at 10 a.m. to hear speakers, watch Indigenous drumming and participate in a smudge.

The walk will then depart from the Pathway to Reconciliation Crosswalk, located near the south entrance of headquarters (near Garden Street), continuing along Rossland Road to Fallingbrook Park, at the intersection of Rossland and Anderson. We will stop at the park for a reflection activity before returning to Durham Region Headquarters where refreshments will be served.

Register to participate. If possible, wear an orange shirt and don’t forget to bring your water bottle.

This event is being planned by the Region of Durham’s Indigenous Advocacy Subcommittee of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Working Group.

To request support or accommodations you may need to attend this event, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator at accessibility@durham.ca (External link) or 905-668-4113 extension 2009.

Wear Orange on Orange Shirt Day—September 30

September 30 is also Orange Shirt Day. On this day we remember Phyllis Webstad’s experience at a residential school. Phyllis’ orange shirt was taken away, symbolic of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem of all Indigenous children.

Listen and learn

We are encouraged to listen to the stories of survivors, and families of survivors, like April Andre and Joan Trudeau; to reaffirm that Every Child Matters and we have not forgotten about those left behind; and to commit to identifying acts of colonialism in our society and actively work towards eliminating them.

Pathway to Reconciliation

With sombre hearts, the Region of Durham recognizes and observes September 30 as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. On this day we memorialize and honour the children taken, the families left behind and the survivors of Canada’s residential school system.

Throughout this month, we encourage everyone to reflect on Canada’s legacy of colonialism; the ongoing violence and trauma inflicted on Indigenous communities; and to learn about actions we can take to work towards reconciliation from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action. Without addressing Canada’s tragic history, and its lasting impacts, we cannot move forward.

Ways to get involved

Committing to reconciliation involves learning about Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing, and creating genuine and meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities. It is only when we take these steps and embrace reconciliation in our hearts, minds and actions that we can truly create spaces for healing and understanding.

Join us for the Region of Durham’s Truth and Reconciliation Walk—September 26

On September 26, 2025, the Region is hosting a Truth and Reconciliation Walk.

Participants are asked to meet in the Lower Galleria of Regional Headquarters (605 Rossland Road East, Whitby) at 10 a.m. to hear speakers, watch Indigenous drumming and participate in a smudge.

The walk will then depart from the Pathway to Reconciliation Crosswalk, located near the south entrance of headquarters (near Garden Street), continuing along Rossland Road to Fallingbrook Park, at the intersection of Rossland and Anderson. We will stop at the park for a reflection activity before returning to Durham Region Headquarters where refreshments will be served.

Register to participate. If possible, wear an orange shirt and don’t forget to bring your water bottle.

This event is being planned by the Region of Durham’s Indigenous Advocacy Subcommittee of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Working Group.

To request support or accommodations you may need to attend this event, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator at accessibility@durham.ca (External link) or 905-668-4113 extension 2009.

Wear Orange on Orange Shirt Day—September 30

September 30 is also Orange Shirt Day. On this day we remember Phyllis Webstad’s experience at a residential school. Phyllis’ orange shirt was taken away, symbolic of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem of all Indigenous children.

Listen and learn

We are encouraged to listen to the stories of survivors, and families of survivors, like April Andre and Joan Trudeau; to reaffirm that Every Child Matters and we have not forgotten about those left behind; and to commit to identifying acts of colonialism in our society and actively work towards eliminating them.

Pathway to Reconciliation

News feed

Understanding the lasting impacts of Canada’s Residential School System
As we approach September 30, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, it is important to acknowledge and understand the lasting impacts of Canada’s Residential School System. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada concluded that, “residential schools were a systematic, government-sponsored attempt to destroy Indigenous cultures and languages and to assimilate Indigenous people so that they no longer existed as distinct peoples.” To move forward with reconciliation in our hearts, minds and actions, we need to be open and honest about our historic and contemporary relationship with the First Peoples of this land.
View the resources below for more information on the history of the residential school system in Canada and the legacy they left behind:
Throughout September, join Durham Region as we continue to listen, reflect and work toward reconciliation. To learn more, visit durham.ca/reconciliation.
Building meaningful relationships by understanding diverse Indigenous cultures
An important part of reconciliation is taking time to understand the diverse cultures of Indigenous Peoples. In Canada, there are three distinct Indigenous communities: First Nations, Inuit and Métis. Indigenous communities each have their own unique and distinct cultural heritage. Review the resources below to learn more about diverse Indigenous cultures:
Throughout September, join Durham Region as we continue to listen, reflect and work toward reconciliation. To learn more, visit durham.ca/reconciliation.
Learn more about land acknowledgements and why you should create one
Land acknowledgements are a traditional practice used to recognize and express gratitude to the First Peoples of the land for their past, present and future guardianship and care of the territories on which we live and work.
In recent years, land acknowledgements have been shared at the beginning of meetings and gatherings by non-Indigenous communities as an act of reconciliation. They provide us with an opportunity to acknowledge and address the history of the land, and our relationship and responsibilities to the land.
The importance of land acknowledgements

Watch this video to learn more about:
- What a land acknowledgment is.
- Why it is important.
- How to create one.
Supporting resources
Committing to reconciliation involves learning about Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing. By understanding Canada’s tragic history and its lasting impacts, you can create a land acknowledgment that acknowledges the original rights holders of the lands. Below are resources to learn more:
Throughout September, join Durham Region as we continue to listen, reflect and work toward reconciliation. To learn more, visit durham.ca/reconciliation.

Page last updated: 09 Sep 2025, 08:42 AM