National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

We encourage people to review the many resources on this web page.

Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day intended to raise awareness of the individual, family and community inter-generational impacts of residential schools, and to promote the concept of “Every Child Matters”.  The orange shirt is a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations. 

Below is the link to our September 30th, 2024 Sunrise Ceremony.

Supports for Survivors

If you are a survivor, or know a Survivor who needs emotional support, a national crisis line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Residential School Survivor Support Line: 1-866-925-4419

Sunrise Ceremony 2023

Portage College observed National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Friday, September 29th. 

This day allowed students, staff, faculty, and community to learn more about residential schools' history and ongoing consequences. It's important to remember and honour those who never returned home after attending residential schools and the survivors and their families who carry the burden of this painful part of our shared history.

Portage College YouTube

Sunrise Ceremony 2022

Portage College hosted a traditional Sunrise Ceremony at 7:25 am on Friday, September 30th, 2022 in honour of all the children who never returned home after attending residential schools; and the survivors who remain.

Portage College YouTube

Sunrise Ceremony- 2021

It's important to remember and honour those who never returned home after attending residential school and the survivors and their families who carry the burden of this painful part of our shared history.

Please read the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Portage College press release.

Press Release

Additional Resources

Be sure to watch on your local community messenger boards for local events to attend.

Here are some events you may want to check out:

St. Paul FCSS: Youth Drop-In Dream Catcher Craft       3:30 - 5:30 pm

Orange Shirt Day with Blue Quills    11:45 am

Lac La Biche County: 10:00 am - 1:00 pm 

Cold Lake- September 27th- an evening of songs and stories.

Public Legal Education Events

Métis Crossing Event

Talking Rock Tours

Fort Edmonton, September 30th Event Schedule

Tour the Portage College Museum of Aboriginal Peoples' Art and Artifacts 

Masters of Indigenous Art Exhibition at Bear Claw Gallery in Edmonton

Every Child Matters Walk/Run 

View the survivor portraits at Kingsway Garden Mall

Attend a traditional feast and round dance

Virtual sessions from National Truth and Reconciliation lunch and learn webinars

Books:

  • Phil Fontaine, AiméeCraft. A Knock at the Door: The Essential History of Residential Schools from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. Winnipeg: University of Manitoba Press, 2015.

  • R. Miller. Shingwauk's Vision: A History of Native Residential Schools. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1996.

  • John Milloy. A National Crime: The Canadian Government and the Residential School System, 1879-1896. Winnipeg: University of Manitoba Press, 1999.

  • Elizabeth Graham. The Mush Hole: Life at Two Indian Residential Schools. HefflePublishing, 1997.

For more book options, visit:

CBC Books

Memoirs:

We acknowledge that Portage College’s service region is on the traditional lands of First Nation Peoples, the owners of Treaty 6, 8 and 10, which are also homelands to the Métis people. We honour the history and culture of all people who first lived and gathered in these lands.
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