Sept. 30, 2021 marked Canada’s first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a federal statutory holiday. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada published 94 calls to action in 2015, and among them (#80) was the call to establish a day to honour residential school survivors, their families and communities. Also known as Orange Shirt Day, it is a day to recognize the painful history and ongoing impact of residential schools, and to remember and support victims and survivors.

RNAO continues to build strong relationships with Indigenous health partners through a number of initiatives, and felt it was important to mark the day with an interactive event led by staff. The association’s Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility Working Group hosted several information and reflection sessions, including a mindful colouring exercise and a demonstration on how to make fry bread, a traditional Indigenous food.