Reconciliation is establishing and maintaining mutually respectful relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples of Canada. For this to happen there needs to be awareness of the past, acknowledgement of the harm done, atonement for the causes and action to change the behaviour.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30th) is an opportunity for all Canadians to take the time to learn the history of Canada's Indian Residential School System and honour the victims and survivors.
This day became a federal statutory holiday in 2021 and falls on the same day as Orange Shirt Day. Orange Shirt Day was started by survivor Phyllis Webstad in 2013 to spread awareness of all that was taken away through the residential school system.