Truth and Reconciliation Day in Ontario 2025: What’s Open, What’s Closed, and Why Orange Shirt Day Still Matters

Truth and Reconciliation Day Ontario: A Moment of Reflection and Action

September 30 is now firmly recognized across Canada as Truth and Reconciliation Day, a time when communities pause to reflect on the painful legacy of the residential school system. In Ontario, the day is marked with ceremonies, educational events, and visible acts of solidarity, though it remains a federal holiday rather than a provincial statutory one.

While many people see it as another long weekend, its deeper purpose is to honour survivors, remember children who never returned home, and encourage Canadians to face the truth about the country’s history. For Ontarians, the day has become an opportunity to stand with Indigenous communities, whether through attending local gatherings, wearing orange, or engaging in discussions about reconciliation.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Its Roots

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was established in 2021, directly answering Call to Action 80 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Its aim is to provide Canadians with a collective day of mourning and education.

The observance grew out of Orange Shirt Day, which began in 2013 when Phyllis Webstad shared her story of having her new orange shirt taken away at a residential school. The shirt became a powerful symbol of cultural erasure, and the day quickly spread nationwide as a grassroots movement.

Ontario communities have embraced both commemorations, often blending them into one day of remembrance. Schools, workplaces, and municipalities use the occasion to raise awareness, but many advocates emphasize that symbolic gestures must be matched with meaningful policy changes.

What’s Open and Closed in Ontario on September 30

Because Truth and Reconciliation Day is not a provincial holiday in Ontario, the closures vary widely. Below is a breakdown to make it clear:

Municipalities such as Toronto, Mississauga, Hamilton, and Burlington will also hold ceremonies, lower flags to half-mast, and light landmarks in orange as visible signs of respect.

Orange Shirt Day and Its Lasting Impact

For many, Orange Shirt Day is the heart of the observance. It’s not just about a shirt, but about remembering stolen childhoods and the resilience of survivors. Across Ontario, schools and workplaces encourage people to wear orange clothing as a simple but powerful statement: “Every Child Matters.”

The stories connected to this day have gained new urgency with the discovery of unmarked graves at former residential schools, including in Ontario. For survivors and families, these findings are painful confirmations of truths they have long carried. The symbolism of the orange shirt resonates more deeply now than ever before.

Indigenous History Ontario and the Ongoing Legacy of Residential Schools

Ontario was home to multiple residential schools, many of which left scars still visible in Indigenous communities today. In 2025, investigations using ground-penetrating radar revealed 114 suspected burial features at the former McIntosh Indian Residential School site. These discoveries are stark reminders that reconciliation is not only about the past but about addressing present injustices.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission documented the widespread abuse, cultural loss, and systemic discrimination tied to residential schools. While progress has been made, Indigenous leaders continue to point to gaps in the implementation of the 94 Calls to Action. From clean water access to education reform, Ontario communities are pushing governments to act faster and more meaningfully.

How Ontario Communities Are Observing Reconciliation Ontario

Across the province, reconciliation is being marked in ways both symbolic and substantive. Here are some of the key activities Ontarians can expect:

• Ceremonies and Gatherings: Tobacco ceremonies, flag-raisings, and remembrance events organized by Indigenous nations and municipalities.

• Educational Programs: Schools, libraries, and universities offering panels, storytelling sessions, and workshops to teach about the history of residential schools.

• Symbolic Displays: Landmarks lit in orange, banners across city streets, and public art installations honouring survivors.

• Community Walks and Marches: In cities like Hamilton and Burlington, large walks for reconciliation are expected to draw hundreds of participants.

These activities demonstrate the dual purpose of the day: to mourn and to learn. The participation of non-Indigenous Ontarians is seen as essential, not only for awareness but also for creating shared responsibility in reconciliation.

Why Residential Schools Canada Still Shapes Today’s Conversations

The phrase residential schools Canada evokes grief, trauma, and resilience. The scars of these institutions continue to influence Indigenous health, education, and justice outcomes today. In Ontario, survivors and their descendants are still advocating for access to mental health support, acknowledgment of land rights, and more transparent investigations into burial sites.

Reconciliation cannot be confined to one day of the year. Indigenous leaders remind Canadians that it must be a continuous process rooted in respect, accountability, and equity. For Ontarians, participating in Truth and Reconciliation Day is only the beginning of the journey.