National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 30 marks the annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day. It is a time for reflection, to come together in the spirit of Reconciliation and to honour those who have been impacted by Canada’s residential school system. 

We call on all those who are settlers on these lands to deepen your understanding of the history and ongoing legacy of residential schools, to participate in initiatives happening across the university and consider what commitments and actions you can take to advance Reconciliation.

Events will take place throughout September at SFU and across the country. Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to wear orange during this time to pay respect and stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities across Canada.

Learn more about SFU's commitment to Uphold Truth and Reconciliation in What's Next: The SFU Strategy.

Here are some ways for you to get involved: 

Attend an event

At SFU

Indigenous Welcome Feast
Thursday, September 24, 2026, 11:30 am - 1:45 pm | First Peoples' Gathering House

Kick off the semester in a good way at this special event hosted by the First Nations, Métis & Inuit Student Association. This special event is designed to introduce you to a variety of programs and resources that will support both your academic and personal growth. It’s also a chance to meet faculty, staff, and peers who are here to help build a strong, supportive community as you begin or continue your studies. 

This event is open to self-identified Indigenous students, staff and faculty at SFU; as well as student service partners by invitation.

Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Engineering Practices Dialogue
Thursday, September 24, 2026, 11:30 am - 2:00 pm | SFU's School of Sustainable Engineering | SRYE 4016

The School of Sustainable Energy Engineering (SEE) invites you to attend our annual Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Engineering Practice Dialogue, held in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. 

The Sorceress of Sky Serpents Book Launch
Monday, September 28, 2026, 6:00 - 8:30 pm | SFU Public Square and SFU Library | Fei and Milton Wong Experimental Theatre

Join internationally acclaimed Haisla and Heiltsuk author Eden Robinson in conversation with Julian Brave Noisecat for an unforgettable evening exploring the power of Indigenous storytelling, mythology, and imagination. The evening will include an engaging conversation, an audience Q&A, and a post-event reception and book signing with Eden Robinson.

In the Community

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Burnaby
September 8-30, 2026 | City of Burnaby

The City of Burnaby is presenting several programs an dactivities through September in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Surrey
September 5-30, 2026 | City of Surrey

There are several opportunities to recognize this day in Surrey, ranging from personal learning to joining a community-led event. 

Truth and Reconciliation Day at Grandview Park 
September 30, 2026, 10 a.m. | Britannia Community Services  

In partnership with the Indian Residential School Survivor Society (IRSSS), the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre (VAFC), and the Vancouver Aboriginal Community Policing Centre (VACPC) and Britannia Community Services, gather with Elders and their families on Orange Shirt Day. Meet at the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre (1607 East Hastings Street). 

Find other National Day for Truth and Reconciliation events in your community. 

Online

Take Part in Truth and Reconciliation Week 2026
September 21-25, 2026 | National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation | Virtual

Join the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation for meaningful learning and action on the path toward reconciliation through daily Lunch & Learn webinars, free curriculum resources for Grades 1–12, and national events.

Webinar for Truth & Reconciliation 
September 24, 2026 - 10:00 am | Moose Hide Campaign | Virtual

Join the Moose Hide Campaign for a panel discussion exploring our collective journey of Truth and Reconciliation in Canada, featuring bestselling author and journalist Waubgeshig Rice of Wasauksing First Nation, whose work explores contemporary Anishinaabe life, culture, community and storytelling.

Show your support

Orange shirts available at SFU:  

• SFU's Bookstore and Spirit Shop (Burnaby campus) are selling Orange Shirt Day shirts for $14. All proceeds will go to the Vancouver Aboriginal Community Policing Centre which runs Community Indigenous Youth Programs in the Downtown Eastside.

Download a Zoom background: 

Discover learning resources

• Discover the origins of Orange Shirt Day through founder Phyllis (Jack) Webstad’s personal story
• Get educated on the legacy and impacts of Canada’s residential school system through The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
• Resources on teaching about residential schools
• Learn about the work SFU is called to in the 2015 Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action further strengthened by the university’s commitment and support of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
• Register for San’yas Anti-Racism Indigenous Cultural Safety Training, a unique, facilitated on-line training program designed to increase knowledge, enhance self-awareness, and strengthen the skills, available to both SFU faculty and staff
• The Faculty of Education is leading the collaboration of the RESPECT project, which aims to develop intervention programs teaching cultural safety and anti-racism for SFU employees

Read Indigenous stories

• Eldon Yellowhorn reclaims Indigenous stories through children’s books (video)
• The SFU Library has curated a collection of Indigenous-authored books honouring Residential School survivors. Discover the full list on the library website, or visit one of the displays at Burnaby, Surrey or Vancouver campus libraries

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