By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Every year on September 30, Canadians pause to reflect on the painful legacy of residential schools through the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day. It is a time to honour the children who never made it home, the survivors, and their families, while acknowledging the importance of reconciliation and collective healing. The words “Every Child Matters” have become a powerful reminder that this day is not only about remembrance but also about education and the ongoing commitment to building a better future.
In Halton Region, the community is preparing for several events throughout September that will bring people together in reflection, dialogue, and action. At Spencer Smith Park in Burlington, the annual Orange Shirt Day gathering will once again provide a space for residents to come together on September 30. This community event has become a cornerstone of local recognition, welcoming people of all ages to stand in solidarity, learn, and remember. While full details will be shared closer to the date, the gathering continues to grow each year as an important moment for Burlington and the surrounding communities.
Leading up to September 30 will be the Truth and Reconciliation Summit on September 24 at 2331 New Street, at the Central branch of Burlington Public Library. Organized by the Halton Equity Diversity Roundtable (HEDR), the full-day summit will bring together educators, changemakers, service providers, and residents to centre Indigenous voices and deepen understanding. Through workshops, dialogue, and shared meals, participants will explore how awareness can be transformed into meaningful community action. Experiences such as the Kairos Blanket Exercise will guide attendees through an immersive learning journey rooted in Indigenous knowledge and storytelling.
Beyond Burlington, the Woodland Cultural Centre will play a significant role in providing educational opportunities throughout the month. From September 15 to 26, schools and organizations can access two weeks of virtual programming designed to engage students and participants in learning about the history and impact of residential schools. The programming ranges from age-appropriate sessions for elementary students to in-depth explorations for older youth and professional groups, with each session including opportunities for reflection and dialogue with Cultural Interpreters.
On September 30, the Woodland Cultural Centre will host a historic unveiling of the former Mohawk Institute Residential School, which will officially open as an interpretive site. The day will feature speeches, art activities, film screenings, social dances, and guided tours, offering a profound opportunity for visitors to walk through the grounds of one of Canada’s oldest residential schools and learn directly from survivors. This long-anticipated unveiling marks a milestone in ensuring that the stories and experiences of Indigenous children are preserved and shared for generations to come.
In Oakville, a gathering will take place on September 20 at The Meeting House, titled “Truth with Reconciliation: We Are One,” hosted by Grandmother’s Voice. Participants will be invited to engage in a day of sacred meditation, storytelling, and teachings led by Elders and Grandmothers. The event aims to foster peace and unity, emphasizing reconciliation not only among people but also with the land, water, treaties, and all of humanity. In addition, the Remember the Children Walk for Reconciliation, hosted by the Reach Out Centre for Kids (ROCK) and Grandmother’s Voice, will also take place, with further details to be announced soon.
Milton libraries will also be engaging young people in reflection throughout September by inviting children to share what Orange Shirt Day means to them. Through creative expression on t-shirt templates, their words and drawings will be displayed in library branches, creating a visible reminder of how the message of “Every Child Matters” resonates with the next generation.
Together, these events reflect the growing commitment within Halton Region to honour the lives affected by residential schools while fostering spaces for dialogue, education, and healing. As September moves on, residents are encouraged to participate, listen, and reflect on the role each of us plays in reconciliation. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is not just a single day on the calendar, but an ongoing journey toward truth, understanding, and collective change.
