National Day for Truth and Reconciliation—also known as Orange Shirt Day—September 30
On September 30, honour the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.
Victoria Orange Shirt Day founders Eddy Charlie and Kristin Spray, together with intergenerational Survivor Diane Sam, share powerful perspectives on the ongoing effects of residential schools.
PLEASE NOTE: This video may be traumatizing for people with experiences of residential school, child abuse, or sexual abuse. We invite you to prepare yourself emotionally before reviewing this content and reach out for support as needed. We encourage children to speak with their guardian in advance of watching.
Commemorating National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day in Saanich and Greater Victoria
Several local organizations offer resources and free events to commemorate National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day:
Victoria Orange Shirt Day
- The Xe Xe Smun’ Eem – Victoria Orange Shirt Day: Every Child Matters Ceremony will be held on Friday, September 30, 2022 at Centennial Square, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Attend the event in person or watch the livestream on the City of Victoria's Facebook page or on CHEK+.
Learn more about Victoria Orange Shirt Day organizers, Eddy Charlie and Kristin Spray.- Purchase a Victoria Orange Shirt Day T-shirt or hoodie at any of these Saanich Recreation Centres this September:
South Island Powwow
The South Island Powwow is an opportunity to recognize Survivors and their families in the spirit of reconciliation. Through song and dance, we will celebrate traditional Indigenous cultures and resiliency.
- Where: Royal Athletic Park 1014 Caledonia Ave, Victoria, BC, Canada
- When: September 30th, 2022
- Schedule of Events:
- Doors open | 10:00 am
- Opening ceremony | 11:00 am
- Grand entry | 12:00 pm
- Intertribal dances
- Category dancing
- Grand Entry | 6:00 pm
- Intertribal dances
- Category dancing
- Retirement of colours | 12:00 am
Capital Bike Truth & Reconciliation Day Ride
Capital Bike’s Truth & Reconciliation Day Ride will start at Songhees Park at 10 AM for a family-safe ride along Victoria’s AAA (all ages & abilities) network to Royal Athletic Park, arriving at 11:45 AM in time for the South Island Powwow’s Grand Entry Ceremony.
Diane Sam, of Songhees First Nation, will kick off the ride with a talk about the significance and history of land around Songhees Park.
This ride is in honour of residential school survivors and their families and is in partnership with Victoria Orange Shirt Day.