Every Child Matters began in Williams Lake, British Columbia Sept. 30, 2013. Established to honour residential school survivors, their families and those who never returned home, it serves as a powerful reminder of the lasting impacts of the residential school system. What began as a grassroots initiative has since evolved into a nationally recognized movement, with individuals, organizations and communities across Canada participating in acts of remembrance, reflection and reconciliation each year. The orange shirt symbolizes the loss of culture, freedom and self-esteem many Indigenous children experienced. This day reminds us Every Child Matters. Public commemoration of this tragic chapter in Canada’s history, and its lasting effects, plays an essential role in advancing truth and reconciliation. 

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was established in response to Call to Action 80 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which called on the federal government, in collaboration with Indigenous peoples, to create a statutory holiday recognizing survivors, their families and communities while ensuring the history and legacy of residential schools are publicly remembered. Bill C-5, which established the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a federal statutory holiday, received Royal Assent June 3, 2021. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day are both observed annually Sept. 30, and they are dedicated to honouring residential school survivors, their families and communities, and to recognize the lasting impacts of Canada’s residential school system. 

These commemorations provide an opportunity to deepen Canada’s understanding of the intergenerational effects of residential schools and to reflect on their enduring legacy as part of the ongoing journey toward truth, healing and reconciliation. On Sept. 30, Canadians are encouraged to wear orange in honour of residential school survivors and their families, and in remembrance of the children who never returned home.