National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR) and Orange Shirt Day are observed on, September 30, to recognize the legacy of residential schools. These schools operated between the 1870s and 1997 and more than 150,000 First Nations, Métis, and Inuit children were forced to attend. This federal holiday honours the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit survivors, their families, communities, and those who perished. It also ensures that we continue to learn about the harms that occurred and ongoing negative impacts of the residential school system on Indigenous communities.

NDTR and Orange Shirt Day 2026

NDTR and Orange Shirt Day Flag Ceremony

• Date and Time: Tuesday, September 29, 2026 from 3 to 3:30 p.m.
• Location: 19000 Leslie Street, East Gwillimbury Civic Centre Community Flagpole
• Description: Join us for remarks from Acting Mayor Carruthers as we mourn the Indigenous children who never returned home from residential schools, as well as honour survivors, their families, and their communities. The flag will be raised on September 29 and remain raised on September 30. For those not able to attend, the ceremony will be livestreamed on the Town's Facebook page.

NDTR and Orange Shirt Day Exhibit

• Dates and Times:
  • Tuesday, September 29, 2026 from noon to 4 p.m.
  • Wednesday, September 30, 2026 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Location: 19000 Leslie Street, East Gwillimbury Civic Centre Lower Atrium (indoors)
• Description: Visit the NDTR and Orange Shirt Day Exhibit for a free self-directed journey of reflection on the history and legacy of residential schools. Tie an orange ribbon to express your commitment to reconciliation.

What is Orange Shirt Day?

Orange Shirt Day originated from the personal story and experience of Phyllis (Jack) Webstad in recognition of the harm the residential school system did to children's sense of self-esteem and well being, and is now an organization that works to educate the public and their  commitment is to ensure that everyone around us matters.

Learn more about Orange Shirt Day or Phyllis (Jack) Webstad's story.

Land Acknowledgement

The Town of East Gwillimbury recognises and acknowledges the lands originally used and occupied by the First Peoples of the Williams Treaties First Nations and other Indigenous Peoples, and on behalf of the Mayor and Council, we would like to thank them for sharing this land. 

We would also like to acknowledge the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation as EG's closest First Nation community and recognize the unique relationship the Chippewas have with the lands and waters of this territory.  They are the water protectors and environmental stewards of these lands, and we join them in these responsibilities.