September 30
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Orange Shirt Day
What is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation?
More than 150,000 Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) children attended Canadian government-funded Residential Schools run by the church from the 1830s to 1997. Many children, some as young as three years old, were forcibly removed from their homes and sent far away from their families and communities for long periods of time.
We observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to remember and honour the survivors of residential schools, the children who never returned home, and the families and communities who were forever impacted by this cruel policy whose intent was to erase all traces of Indigenous identity, culture and language.
Orange Shirt Day
Orange Shirt Day is a grassroots commemorative day that was created in 2013 by Phyllis Webstad who is Northern Secwpemc (Shuswap) from the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation (Canoe Creek Indian Band) and a residential school survivor.
As part of the public commemoration of the painful history and impacts of residential schools, Concordians are invited to wear orange to honour the Indigenous peoples and communities who suffered at the hands of this government and church-endorsed system.
Message from the Senior Director
September 30 is a day of healing, commemoration and reflection. On this day, many First Nations, Métis and Inuit members of the Concordia community choose to be with their families and in their home communities to support Indian Residential Survivors and to remember the children who never came home.
We invite all Concordians to pause and reflect on how we, as a university community, can move forward together to build a better future for all of our children. Because every child matters. Chaque enfant compte. Tahto awâsis ispîhtêyihtâkosiw.
—Manon Tremblay, Senior Director, Office of Indigenous Directions
Concordia's actions towards reconciliation
Decolonizing and Indigenizing curriculum and pedagogy
A five-year strategic implementation plan
The Office of Decolonizing Curriculum and Pedagogy's 5-year strategic plan sets evolving priorities for the decolonization of curriculum and pedagogy at Concordia from 2023 to 2027.
Visit the Decolonization Hub to learn about the plan's values, mission and objectives, and what steps you can take to begin decolonizing curriculum and pedagogy.
The history, resilience and continuance of the Rotinonhsión:ni (Haudenosaunee) Confederacy: Self-learning modules
This series of educational primers for Concordia faculty, staff and students is a step toward decolonizing and Indigenizing the university curriculum.
The series was developed by Kanien’kehá:ka educators Donna Kahérakwas Goodleaf, DIrector, decolonizing curriculum and pedagogy at the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) and lead project manager, and Kanentokon Hemlock, researcher and writer for the content of the modules.
Honouring Indigenous leaders
Honorary Doctorate:
Connie Walker, DLitt 2025
Award-winning Cree investigative journalist Connie Walker is honoured for her groundbreaking journalism and commitment to Indigenous communities.
Murray Sinclair (1951-2024): Lifelong champion of Indigenous rights
Concordia mourns the Honourable Murray Sinclair, former senator, judge and chairperson and recipient of the Loyola Medal, the university’s highest non-academic honour for significant contributions to Canadian society.
Honorary Doctorate: Fibbie Tatti, DSc 2022
Born to the Sahtúgot’ı̨nę First Nation on Great Bear Lake in the Northwest Territories (NWT), Tatti is a fluent speaker, writer and storyteller of the North Slavey Language. She has dedicated her career to preserving and promoting Indigenous languages and culture.
Great Concordian: Mandy Gull-Masty, Grand Chief of Cree Nation of Eeyou Istchee
In May 2025, Mandy Gull-Masty BA 06, BA 08, became the first Indigenous Minister of Indigenous Services Canada after successfully running as the Liberal candidate for the Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik—Eeyou riding in the federal election.
Gull-Masty’s educational journey at Concordia included dual undergraduate degrees in political science and public affairs and policy studies.
Events and activities
We invite you to participate in activities and opportunities to share and learn leading up to the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.
Introduction to Cree Language
A fun, interactive introductory language workshop open to all Concordians interested in learning the Cree language, and a bit more about what makes Indigenous people tick. The lunchtime workshop is taught by Indigenous Directions Senior Director, Manon Tremblay.
The Decolonial Toolbox: an educational pathway
Embark on a personal journey toward decolonization and meaningful allyship witth the Decolonial Toolbox’s Educational Pathway. This self-guided course you will help you learn about the historical and contemporary realities of Indigenous Peoples. It provides resources and stimulates reflection to help you understand the impacts of colonization and offer guidance to challenge colonialism in your everyday life.
Ghislain Picard, former Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL), current Expert in Residence at Concordia, delivers the closing address at Honouring Truth, Reflecting on Impact.
Honouring Truth, Reflecting on Impact: A Day of Learning
In recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and to mark the 10th anniversary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Final Report, the Office of Indigenous Directions held a day of reflection and learning Tuesday, Sept. 16.
Watch the full event and panel discussions on YouTube:
Orange t-shirt dying workshop
Join a workshop that will introduce participants to the process of fabric dyeing while opening space for discussion about the history and significance of Orange Shirt Day.
Hosted by the Indigenous Futures Research Center and generously supported by the Milieux Institute for Arts, Culture and Technology and the Concordia Research Chair in Onkwehonwené:ha.
Lunch and Learn webinars
Every September, the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation offers free Lunch and Learn webinars that will help you UN-learn the myths of colonial history in Canada.
More events at Concordia
Show your spirit on social
Participate on social media by sharing photos wearing your orange shirt with the hashtags #NDTR #Concordia.
Resources
Territorial Acknowledgement
We would like to acknowledge that Concordia University is located on unceded Indigenous lands. The Kanien’kehá:ka Nation is recognized as the custodians of Tiohtià:ke/Montréal, the lands and waters on which we gather today.
As we commemorate National Truth and Reconciliation Day on September 30, let us embark on a collective journey of enlightenment, solidarity, and reconciliation.
© Concordia University