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Truth and Reconciliation

Learning the truth about the effects of colonization and the residential school system and engaging in reconciliation is a shared responsibility. As a place of higher learning, we have an obligation to educate on this tragic reality of Canada’s history and to work toward addressing the ongoing colonial legacy of residential schools.

This page is a starting point for those interested in learning more and actively engaging in Truth and Reconciliation Week, Orange Shirt Day, and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Truth and Reconciliation Week - September 22-26, 2025

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) established Truth and Reconciliation Week and encourages us to continue the conversations about Every Child Matters and the residential school system while honoring Survivors and their families. The NCTR offers free virtual and hybrid educational programs for teachers and students (grades 1-12).

To commemorate the week, U of G will be raising the Survivors' Flag in front of the University Centre and at Champions Corner and lighting Johnston Hall in orange on September 22, and lowering the flags on September 30.

Orange Shirt Day | Every Child Matters - September 30

Started in 2013 in Williams Lake, British Columbia, Orange Shirt Day is a legacy of the St. Joseph Mission Residential School commemoration and reunion events. Phyllis Webstad shared the memory of her shiny new orange shirt, bought by her grandmother, that was taken from her on her first day at the school.

The St. Joseph Mission Residential School, which was open from 1891-1981, was one of 130 residential schools in Canada. Now the day honors the Survivors, those who didn't make it, and the families impacted by residential schools.

The Orange Shirt Society encourages and supports the commemoration of Orange Shirt Day.

Orange shirts are currently on sale at the U of G Bookstore.

Indigenous Initiatives, the Indigenous Student Centre, and the Bookstore have collaborated to bring a unique orange shirt to campus in acknowledgment of Orange Shirt Day. $5 from each sale will be donated to the Survivor Secretariat, an organization that organizes and supports efforts to uncover, document and share the truth about what happened at the Mohawk Institute during its 140+ years of operation.

The design was created by Kaitlin Gallant, Indigenous graphic designer, illustrator and beadwork artist.

In honour of Residential School Survivors and the children who never returned home, the shirt depicts a Forget-Me-Not flower surrounded by Sage and Sweetgrass. Sweetgrass braids remind us of our strength when we come together, and sage supports our healing.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - September 30

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was created in 2021 as a federal statutory holiday in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action # 80 which called for a day of commemoration.

We call upon the federal government, in collaboration with Aboriginal peoples, to establish, as a statutory holiday, a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honour 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.

The day serves to honor the Survivors of residential schools and the children who never returned home, as well as their families and communities. To learn more about the progress on the Calls to Action, visit Indigenous Watchdog’s website or read Calls to Action Accountability: A 2023 Status Update on Reconciliation.

Ways to Get Involved

On Campus

  • Orange T-Shirt Pin Workshop - Tuesday, September 23, 2025; 1:00-3:30 pm at the John F. Wood Centre MakerSpace.
    • In this workshop participants will reflect upon the legacy of residential schools while creating their own orange shirt pin with an Indigenous artist. This workshop invites participants to work with ceremonial tobacco if they feel comfortable. All materials will be provided for this event.
    • Register at the link above.
  • On Tuesday, September 30, the campus community is invited to gather and honour the survivors and the children who never came home:
    • 9:30-10:00 am; Walk from Circle Mound at the Art Gallery of Guelph to Branion Plaza
    • 10:00-10:30 am; Reflections on Truth and Reconciliation at Branion Plaza
    • 1:00-2:00 pm; Sewehia:rak, We Remember at Johnston Hall
      • An experiential opportunity to learn more about the ongoing legacy of the Indian Residential School (IRS) System and participate in a memorial for survivors and victims.
      • Participants will select one victim or survivor of the IRS System and will research their story. You are welcome to share your story at the gathering.
      • Bring along a pair of children's shoes to be placed outside Johnston Hall for the duration of the week. They will be stored and used in the future.
      • Come with an open mind and heart for this solemn occasion.
      • For those who don't have one, please try to purchase an orange shirt to support Indigenous communities.
      • Resources: Legacy of Hope and National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
      • Email otl@uoguelph.ca or visit the OTL website for more information or if you'd like to participate.
    • 5:00 pm; Orange Shirt Gathering on Johnston Green
      • Join us on Johnston Green to show your support for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. We invite everyone to wear orange and come together in solidarity. In collaboration with the Guelph Turfgrass Institute and Simplistic Lines, Johnston Green will be painted orange to mark this important day. A group photo will also be taken by drone to capture the moment and honour the spirit of remembrance and reconciliation.
  • Identity and Truth and (Re)Conciliation with Marissa Magneson - Thursday October 2, 2025; 6:00-8:00 pm
    • Location: University Centre Basement 001B
    • Join the Indigenous Student Centre in welcoming Cree-Métis artist, Marissa Magneson. Participants are invited to consider the stories of their ancestors and self, thinking of the footsteps they wish to leave behind for future generations, while creating a beaded dot art footprint on paper to take home.

Community Events

  • Truth & Reconciliation Day After School Event - Guelph Civic Museum, September 30; 3:30-5:30 pm
    • Children, youth, and community members are invited to come together in the spirit of remembrance and renewal. The gathering will include a Sacred Fire, indoor and outdoor activities, and a special raptor presentation. 

Ongoing

National Truth & Reconciliation Week 2025: Exploring Indigenous Narratives and Worldviews
Exploring Indigenous Narratives and Worldviews is a collection curated by the University of Guelph Library. A physical display of the collection can be found in the first floor of the library.

Mtigwaaki Trail in the U of G Arboretum

Reflect as you take a walk on the Mtigwaaki Trail to engage with the land and learn from interpretive signs that explore the understanding of the forest from an Anishinabek perspective and call us to act on how we can better treat Mother Earth.

Planning an event?

We encourage campus partners to plan events and actions aimed at raising awareness and educating on the ongoing legacy of colonization and the effects of the residential school system. Due to the sensitive nature of the topics surrounding residential schools, please give thought to the following considerations. Events can be added to this list by emailing the details to indigenous@uoguelph.ca.

Event Planning Considerations

  1. Recognize that the day will be difficult for many Indigenous peoples. For example, orange shirts are worn as an act of solidarity however when seen repeatedly they can also become overwhelming<
  2. Plan ahead as this is a busy time which puts a strain on resources and be considerate of the timing of local Indigenous led events
  3. Uplift and respect Indigenous voices while not placing undue burden on First Nations, Inuit and Métis students, staff, faculty and community members
    • It is important to not expect the Indigenous community to assume the work of reconciliation
    • Indigenous peoples may be involved with planning events and actions within their own communities
    • There is an abundance of diverse resources available in print, video and audio formats such as those shared on the Legacy of Hope of Foundation’s website or in the CBC Short Doc, Inendi
    • If you do invite Indigenous knowledge holders and community members, be sure to inform yourself about protocols to be followed, which are specific to different cultural groups and communities
  4. Determine the wellness and support needs required during the planning, the event and afterwards
    • Prioritize the needs of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Survivors and their families, students, staff and faculty
    • Remember accessibility
    • Consider what services are already available and whether they need to be enhanced to respond to a potential increased need
    • Locate quiet and private space that can be used for support
  5. Recognize individuals’ different comfort levels with identifying as someone impacted by residential school, sharing their and their families' experiences, speaking publicly and engaging in person or online and respect their boundaries
  6. Be mindful to not uphold a deficit perspective of Indigenous peoples or centre the perpetrators of colonial harms

Support for Indigenous Students, Staff and Faculty

Indigenous Student Centre

The Indigenous Student Centre team is available for First Nations, Inuit and Métis students. Email indigenous.student@uoguelph.ca to connect

Drop In Support for Indigenous Students

Drop in is available for First Nations, Inuit and Métis students on September 30 from 9 am – 4 pm at the Indigenous Student Centre in the Federal Building at 620 Gordon Street.

Student Counselling Services

Call 519-824-4120 Ext. 53244 to book an appointment.

Student Support Network

Find more information at wellness.uoguelph.ca/ssn.

Good2Talk

Call 1-866-925-5454 or text “UofG” to 686868

Here 24/7

Call 1-844-437-3247for crisis services.

Guard Me Student Support Program for International Students

Connect at wellness.uoguelph.ca/GuardMe

Employee and Family Assistance Program

Call 1-800-663-1142

National Indian Residential School Crisis Line

24-hour crisis support for Survivors and their families, call 1-866-925-4419

Hope for Wellness

For immediate emotional support for First Nations, Inuit and Métis people, call 1-855-242-3310, or by online chat at hopeforwellness.ca

Learn More

U of G’s Commitments

Learn more about U of G's commitments to reconciliation, indigenization and decolonization in Bi-Naagwad | It Comes Into View, U of G's Indigenous Initiatives Strategy.