September 29th, 2026

On Wednesday, September 30, Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) will acknowledge:

• The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
• Orange Shirt Day

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

In June 2021, the Government of Canada created the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This federal holiday, held every September 30, is a response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #80. The day allows for time and space to reflect on the atrocities committed against First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples. 

WRDSB’s Commitment to Truth and Reconciliation

WRDSB accepts its responsibility to work towards Indigenous sovereignty. We must disrupt anti-Indigenous racism and Indigenous erasure. In this way, First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students, families, and community members can have a sense of success and belonging. We recognize that the challenge of achieving reconciliation is the challenge of our time. 

By learning with and from Indigenous people, we will make sure all students have the opportunity to build:

• Intercultural understanding 
• Empathy
• Mutual respect

Learn more about how WRDSB schools are deepening student and staff understanding of Indigenous peoples’ worldviews, perspectives, and histories:

• Ayr Public School Students Reflect on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
• Honouring Indigenous Knowledge Through Lacrosse at Glencairn Public School
• Students Learn The Origins Of Lacrosse
• All Nations Water Walk – Indigenous Education Speaker Series for WRDSB Staff
• Recognizing National Indigenous History Month at the Education Centre
• From Student to Artist: A Journey in Art and Identity
• Honouring Indigenous Voices at Glencairn
• Celebrating Indigenous Diversity and Excellence
• Walking in Two Worlds: Indigenous Youth Symposium
• Music as Medicine: Storytelling and Healing Through Song
• Painting Our Story Together at Franklin Public School

Orange Shirt Day

Orange Shirt Day is a grassroots and Indigenous-led day of recognition honours residential school survivors, those who did not survive, and their descendants. 

Learn more about the WRDSB Strategic Plan and commitment to Truth and Reconciliation.