National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2023

September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also Orange Shirt Day. It is a time for Canadians to acknowledge the tragic history and ongoing intergenerational impacts of Canadian residential schools and to learn how to participate in meaningful reconciliation. 

Orange Shirt Day originates from Phyllis Webstad, a Northern Secwpemc woman who, at the age of six, was taken away from her family and brought to a residential school. The orange shirt name comes from Phyllis’ experience of having her brand new orange shirt taken from her as soon as she arrived at the school. 

Keeping in mind the pain and grief that this day holds for Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island, our flag has been lowered to half-mast in commemoration of the innocent children who lost their lives in residential schools.

Since the onset of colonization and through decades of intergenerational trauma, we acknowledge the role that Police played in systemic racism and we know that there is much work to be done in order to repair and heal the relationship between Police and the Indigenous community.

As a police service, we continue to expand our learning and understanding of Indigenous history and culture, and nurture our partnerships with Indigenous community members based on trust and respect. 

Our Members are wearing orange shirts, orange pins, orange bracelets and orange lanyards to symbolize our collective solidarity with Indigenous communities.

We encourage community members to listen to the stories being shared, honour the Survivors and their families, remember the ones who never made it home, and learn what role you play in understanding the truth in National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The National Residential School Crisis Line provides 24-hour crisis support to Residential School survivors and their families toll-free at 1-866-925-4419.