A banner made of four photos. The first photo shows a group of secondary school students wearing orange Every Child Matters shirts over their school uniforms, for Orange Shirt Day. The second photo shows an Indigenous knowledge keeper showing students how to traditionally prepare a fire during camping trip. The third photo shows a student doing an exercise in class for hand-weaving traditional Indigenous shoes. The fourth photo shows a presentation by the Equity Department at the CEC in collaboration with the Special Education Department, showing a collage of student artwork of Indigenous peoples and culture.

Events

National Day of Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation flyer

At the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB), we respect the relationships we nourish with our Indigenous families and communities, the Anishinabek (a-ni-shna-bek), the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, the Wendat peoples, and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. We also recognize the contributions and enduring presence of our first inhabitants, all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples in Ontario and the rest of Canada.

Orange Shirt Day is recognized on September 30 of every year. This year, on September 29 (Friday), we will wear orange to acknowledge the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation and participate in Orange Shirt Day, honouring the story of Phyllis Webstad and all of the voices of Residential School survivors, those that did not survive, and their descendants.   

Orange Shirt Day is not a day of celebration, but one of reflection. We are called to reflect on the incredibly damaging impact residential schools had on all First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples and to commemorate the survivors of the residential schools system’s genocide.

All TCDSB schools will remain open and our Every Child Matters flags will be flown. All flags will be flown at half mast.

We invite all TCDSB school students, staff, and families to wear orange. This can be an Every Child Matters Orange T-shirt, or plain orange top, pin, ribbon or bracelet. We ask that our communities engage in meaningful conversation as a way to move forward in Truth and Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. It is our sincere hope that these conversations will continue beyond this day.

Our Board is committed to supporting Indigenous voices, learning together, and implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, focusing intentionally on those that relate to education and our community.

Calls to Action and Resources

Contact Information

We would be happy to provide further assistance as needed. Please contact the Toronto Catholic District School Board’s Indigenous Education Department:

Toronto Catholic District School Board 
Indigenous Education Department​          
C/O Equity, Diversity, and Indigenous Education
80 Sheppard Ave. East
Toronto, ON M2N 6E8

Resources For National Day For Truth and Reconciliation