National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Event Details
Event Details
Since the inaugural day in 2021, Northumberland County has recognized September 30th as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
About National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
September 30, marks the National day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day that coincides with Orange Shirt Day. September 30th is as a solemn reminder of the children who never returned home, as well as an acknowledgment of the strength and resilience of survivors, intergenerational survivors, families, and communities impacted by the legacy of residential schools. It’s a day to reflect on the history and legacy of residential schools and support Indigenous communities on their journey toward healing and reconciliation and to take the time to reflect, listen, and learn.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada released its final report on June 2, 2015, which included 94 Calls to Action to redress the legacy of Canada’s Residential Schools system, and advance the process of reconciliation.
Call to Action 80 calls upon the federal government, in collaboration with Aboriginal peoples, to establish, as a statutory holiday, a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, to honour residential school survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.
This day builds on the Orange Shirt Day movement which grew out of the story of one survivor, Phyllis Webstad, who had her new orange shirt taken away on her first day at the residential school.
Our commemorative activities and events
On September 16, 2026, County Council proclaimed September 30, 2026 as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Orange Shirt Day).
Every Child Matters flag raising and light display (September 28 – October 5)
Northumberland County Headquarters, 555 Courthouse Road, Cobourg
Northumberland County will raise Every Child Matters flag on the County’s Community Flagpole from September 28 until October 5, 2026 and will light the County Headquarters building in Orange on September 30.
Orange Shirt Day (September 30)
Show your support by joining the Orange Shirt Day movement. Wear an orange shirt on September 30th in honour of residential school survivors, their families, and communities, and be a part of the national conversation using the hashtag #EveryChildMatters.
Local commemorative dates and activities
Alderville First Nation
Every Child Matters Walk (September 30)
Date: Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m. (guests are asked to arrive by 10:45 a.m.)
Location: Health Building (8467 HWY 45, Roseneath, ON)
Attendees are strongly encouraged to park at the Alderville Community Centre (8913 HWY 45, Roseneath, ON) to catch a shuttle to the Health Building.
Town of Cobourg
Film screening: Indian Horse
Date: Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Time(s): 2:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Location: Citizen’s Forum at Victoria Hall, 55 King Street West, Cobourg
Municipality of Port Hope
Film screening: The Secret Path
Date: Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Capitol Theatre, 20 Queen Street, Port Hope
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