Honouring Truth and Reconcili-ACTION this September
Aug. 25, 2025
September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada, a nationally recognized day to reflect on the enduring impacts of the residential school system and to honour the survivors, their families and communities. This year is significant as it marks the fifth annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and the 13th observance of Orange Shirt Day. This day is more than a commemoration – it’s a call to action, a time to engage meaningfully in truth-telling, healing and reconciliation. We’re all responsible for walking this path, not only today, but every day.
In the lead-up to this important day, events will be held across the country, including at Georgian College campuses to promote awareness and meaningful action. This month, the Survivors’ Flag or Every Child Matters flag will be raised at each of our campuses as a reminder of our collective responsibility to truth and reconciliation.
About National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is day that confronts the painful legacy of Canada’s residential school system and its impacts on Indigenous people and communities. It stands as both a solemn day of remembrance and a powerful call to action – urging all Canadians to actively participate in the ongoing work of truth-telling, healing and reconciliation.
Flag raisings
About the Survivors Flag
The Survivors’ Flag was created for Residential School Survivors as a powerful symbol of their truth. It honours all those affected by the Canadian residential school system – survivors, their families and entire communities. Each element of the flag is deeply meaningful and tells part of the collective story of survivors from across Canada who were consulted during the flag’s creation.
As a visual expression of remembrance, the flag invites all Canadians to remember, to bear witness to truth, and to walk the path of reconciliation.
Barrie Campus
Wednesday, Sept. 3
9 to 9:30 a.m. (flagpoles outside C building)
Midland Campus
Tuesday, Sept. 2
10 a.m. (flag raising, no ceremony)
Muskoka Campus
Tuesday, Sept. 3 at 9 a.m. (flag raising, no ceremony)
Orillia Campus
Wednesday, Sept. 3
10:30 a.m. (flagpoles)
Orangeville Campus
Wednesday, Sept. 4
9 a.m. (flag raising, no ceremony)
Owen Sound Campus
Tuesday, Sept. 2
10 a.m. (flagpoles)
Every Child Matters T-shirts
Wearing an orange shirt on September 30 is a visible commitment to Every Child Matters – the central message of Orange Shirt Day. It affirms that all children, including those who survived residential schools and those who didn’t, have and will always matter.
If you wish to purchase an orange shirt or beaded pin, we recommend you do so through the Orange Shirt Society – online or through one of their official retail partners.
The Orange Shirt Society is a non-profit organization that raises awareness of the individual, family and community inter-generational impacts of residential schools and supports reconciliation events, resources and programs.
We created two custom Every Child Matters backgrounds – in orange and blue – that you’re welcome to use in your Microsoft Teams video calls and meetings. A custom Outlook email signature will also be available in September.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission
This past summer marked the 10th anniversary of the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) report. In addition to its multi-volume report detailing the history and ongoing impacts of residential schools, the TRC issued 94 Calls to Action to advance reconciliation across all sectors of Canadian society.
As of today, only 13 of the 94 Calls to Action have been completed, underscoring the ongoing need for accountability and genuine commitment to action, from individuals to institutions. We have all been called to the work of reconciliation, and each of us can find ourselves reflected in at least one of the 94 Calls to Action.
As the late Justice Murray Sinclair, Chief Commissioner of the TRC, urged:
“Take a look at the Calls to Action…and pick one. Do what you can to make it happen…the only way that change ever occurs is when the citizens of this country are the ones to decide to take action.”
This is more than a day of remembrance – it’s a call to action. It’s a day to listen, learn, and act – with the understanding that meaningful change must happen every day of the year, not just one.
What is your Call?
If you haven’t chosen your Call to Action yet, we encourage you to explore the list and commit to one that speaks to you: Calls to Action
This post was originally published in September 2021 and updated in August 2025.