By Naomi Schatz

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR) was created in response to Call to Action 80 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which urged the federal government to establish a day to honour survivors, their families and the children who never returned home. Rooted in the legacy of Orange Shirt Day—born from Phyllis Webstad’s story of having her orange shirt taken on her first day at residential school—September 30 carries grief and honours Indigenous resistance. It is a humble reminder that this day exists because of the tireless advocacy of survivors and communities who insisted that Canada must remember.  

This year’s NDTR was marked in so many ways across Turtle Island—and each moment was a reminder that reconciliation is not one path, but many, rooted in Truth, humility and relationships. At Rise, we each observed this day through learning, reflection and action. We share gratitude for the many Elders, leaders, families, youth and groups that organized gatherings and learning opportunities from coast to coast to coast.  

• Community-led events. Powerful community-led events occurred across Turtle Island. In Edmonton, Treaty 6 Territory, Kyla joined the fifth annual Orange Shirt Run/Walk, which brought together hundreds of people, with bannock shared, plants gifted, and stories from Survivors heard. Dancers in regalia, Indigenous artisans, families, and newcomers gathered to learn and honour. In Squamish, Naomi joined the annual march, with hundreds in attendance. Elders, Indigenous leaders, and survivors shared words and songs and this year the Elders felt called to lead a powerful witnessing ceremony. In Ktunaxa Territory, Annie joined the Truth and Reconciliation walk with the Aq’am Nation. 

• Time on the land. For some of us, the day was spent in reflection outdoors—planting, being with the land, remembering those who never came home and recommitting to care for future generations. We are reminded that healing the earth is part of healing relationships.  

• Truth-telling and newcomer learning. Najah shared her reflections that the dark history of Residential Schools must be shared with newcomer families too – a powerful reminder that Reconciliation requires everyone, including newcomers, to learn these truths too. Canada’s story is incomplete without Indigenous Truths at the centre. 

• Marches. In Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, the annual march grew again this year, with hundreds attending. Elders, Indigenous leaders, and survivors shared words, stories, drumming and songs. We were reminded of the importance of listening and understanding each others stories and that healing land and water is inseparable from healing people and relationships. 

• Children and youth leading. Across events, children danced, learned and bore witness. Young people took roles as speakers, youth stood alongside Elders, and Survivors were surrounded by families – intergenerational circles of love and hope. 

• Virtual Learning. Many of our team participated in the Gord Downie & Chaney Wenjack Fund NDTR virtual learning series- a beautiful four-part series that spoke of Truth, messages about where we’ve been over the past 10 years, where we’ve done good work, gap to focus on and where we can go, as we move forward. 

Each of these experiences’ points to a bigger Truth: Reconciliation is not a single gesture, but a web of relationships, actions and responsibilities. 

The question now is: What will we carry forward into the other 364 days of the year? 

Reconciliation is not the work of Indigenous communities or government alone—it is shared, collective, and urgent. For leaders, organizations, and institutions, the opportunity is clear: move beyond statements into deeply listening, responsive action and accountability. Reconciliation is in procurement, workforce inclusion, community relationships, governance, and ecological restoration. It is in how we support each other. It is in how we show up, every day. In the wise words of Richard Wagamese: “This is how you change the world, the smallest circles first. That humble energy, the kind that says, ‘I will do what I can do right now in my own small way,’ creates a ripple effect on the world.”