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 2026 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 Wednesday, September 30, 2026 as posted on Sheridan’s academic calendar.
Programming
Aani, She:kon, Shekoli, Tansi, Ajaja (ᐊᔭ) and Hello. September 30 is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day for remembrance, mourning, learning, unlearning and growth. More than an Orange shirt. We believe in Reconciliation in Action.
Make your own Every Child Matters beaded pin
Drop in between 2:00pm - 3:00pm to make your Every Child Matters beaded pin.
Sept 15- Davis - Room B298
Sept 16- HMC Campus Room A308
Sept 22- Traf Campus – Room B127
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. 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: Monday, September 21, 2026
Time: 1:30 pm - 2:00 pm
Location: HMC Campus, outside at the flag poles.
Reconciliation Series launch: Tuesday, October 13th
Rec Series with Maurice Switzer
Join us for the launch of Sheridan’s Reconciliation Series, hosted by the CIRCLE. This event will be the first in a speaker series for Fall 2026.
We are pleased to launch the Reconciliation Series with Maurice Switzer, Wampum belt knowledge keeper, Indigenous author of recently published ‘Sons of Tecumseh’
Speaking about his newly-released novel "Sons of Tecumseh", which deals with treaties as well as the challenges Indigenous peoples continue to have achieving unity. It's an independent publication written to be entertaining as well as educational.
Date: October 13th, 2026
Time: 12:00 pm –1:30 pm (Talk) | 1:30 pm–2:00 pm (Book Signing)
Online: Trafalgar Campus – Library
Action
Together, we invite all members of the Sheridan community to use this day thoughtfully and take a step towards reconciliation.
Join the Indigenous office to the annual bus trip to the former residential school:
The unveiling is not a conclusion, it’s a commitment.
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.