Background
Sheridan is committed to reconciliation and advancing residential school survivors’ stories, resilience and resistance. In 2021, the federal government passed legislation to make September 30 the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. However, Phyllis Webstad began this commemoration with Orange Shirt Day in 2013, centring survivor and family stories.
September 30 is a day for remembrance, mourning, learning, unlearning and growth. It is an opportunity to honour the survivors, families and communities impacted by residential schools.
Sheridan’s Office of Indigenous Engagement and Education is commemorating this year’s observance with a schedule of educational and engaging programming in the lead-up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2025 and Orange Shirt Day on September 30. In addition, we will be launching a Reconciliation Series to create a community where acts of reconciliation are showcased.
Please note that in recognition of the weight that this day holds, classes will not be held on Tuesday, September 30, 2025 as posted on Sheridan’s academic calendar.
Programming
Sheridan is proud to offer programming during Truth and Reconciliation Week, September 22-26, 2025 along with a curation of resources and supports to aid in our community’s education. To honour the survivors of residential schools, we encourage you to spend September 30 engaging in activities that support your own acts of reconciliation and healing.
Every Child Matters Flag Raising
Public commemoration is a vital component of the reconciliation process. By raising the Every Child Matters flag on our campuses, we are bearing witness and uplifting the survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities.
Join us to raise the Every Child Matters flag at Sheridan’s Medicine Garden. Hear from Indigenous Sheridan Students and the office of Indigenous Education and Engagement. There will be drumming and tobacco available to make tobacco ties. Please wear an orange shirt to show your support. Learn more about why we wear orange.
Date: Wednesday, September 24, 2025
Time: 1:00pm - 1:30pm
Location: Trafalgar Road Campus (outside J-wing by the Medicine Wheel Garden) or join virtually.
Reconciliation Series launch: Delayed but now in November we welcome Esha's Eats
Rec Series with Esha's Eats
‘Talk and live demonstration with a food sample’
Join us for the launch of Sheridan’s Reconciliation Series, hosted by Sheridan’s Office of Indigenous Education & Engagement. This event will be the first in a speaker series for 2026.
We’re pleased to welcome Indigenous entrepreneur, Aicha Smith-Belghaba who takes on a deep dive into traditional Haudenosaunee foods and how its role in daily life has evolved from pre contact to present day. Aicha Press Kit
During the session, hosted by Amy Reader, AVP, Indigenous Education and Engagement, and Randi Jacob, Aicha will speak about how to engage with acts of reconciliation and begin your journey.
Developed by Sheridan’s Office of Indigenous Education and Engagement, the Reconciliation Series has been created to support and guide everyone on their journey toward reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. This series features esteemed individuals who are leading the way in fostering meaningful engagement and allyship with Indigenous communities. Open to both internal and external participants, it offers an opportunity to deepen your understanding of reconciliation.
We invite you to learn and unlearn with EshaEats on your journey toward reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.
Date:November
Time: 2-3 p.m.
Online:TBD
Action
Students, staff, and faculty joined the Office Indigenous Education and Engagement team to visit the nearest residential school this September 30th, 2025. We departed Sheridan College early September to attend the unveiling.
For the first time in history, visitors walked through the old residential school doors to learn from the truths that Survivors have long carried.
This space exists because of their leadership. Survivors of the residential school system have guided this transformation with courage, resilience, and honesty. Their stories continue to teach, challenge, and move us toward a more honest understanding of our shared history.
The unveiling is not a conclusion, it’s a commitment.
Official Unveiling: Event Guide to September 30th - Woodland Cultural Centre Sept 30th
Suggested actions
Read- The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action
- Read one or more of the Truth and Reconciliation Reports
- 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act by Bob Joseph
- Five Little Indians by Michelle Good
- Seven Fallen Feathers by Tanya Talaga
- Talk to your children about truth and reconciliation — check out CBC’s recommendations for 29 children’s books for National Indigenous History Month
- The Orange Shirt Society website to learn about the history of the day and access teaching resources
- Visit Sheridan’s medicine garden at the Trafalgar Road Campus (Oakville)
- Visit the Woodland Cultural Centre and/or sign up for one of their virtual events including a tour of the Mohawk Institute Residential School
- Purchase an orange shirt and wear it on September 30 to demonstrate your solidarity. Consider making a donation to support Sheridan’s Centre for Indigenous Learning and Support (this money directly supports Indigenous students in emergency situations)
- Indigenous students can review the Babamadizwin guide for information about available supports (part of Sheridan’s Well Series)
- Review Sheridan library’s Indigenous Studies Guide
- Review the resources on Sheridan’s digital repository, including Cultivating Trauma-Informed Spaces in Education
- Commit to incorporating truth and reconciliation into your curriculum or workplace
- The Secret Life of Canada about the untold and undertold history of Canada as it relates to Indigenous people
- Listen to the CBC podcast Kuper Island, which tells the story of four students who attended one of the most notorious residential schools
- Watch the film We Were Children, which tells the story of two children who attended residential schools
- Take the free Indigenous Canada course on Coursera
- Watch Starleigh Grass’ TEDx Talk on teaching about residential schools
- Visit the Debwewin Project website to learn about Oakville’s truth and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation
Share your message of support
Write a message, a promise or a pledge you would like to share in support of our Indigenous communities and Truth and Reconciliation.