The Legal Centre will be closed Tuesday / tomorrow to recognize Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The Peterborough Community Legal Centre (PCLC) will close on Tuesday, September 30th, 2025 to recognize Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Peterborough, also known as Nogojiwanong (the place at the end of the rapids) in Anishinaabemowin language, is located in the territories of the Michi Saagiig Anishinaabe, and territories included in Treaty #20 (1818) and the Williams Treaties (1923).
Orange Shirt Day was conceived by Esketemc (Alkali Lake) Chief Fred Robbins, inspired by the story of Phyllis Webstad. Phyllis is a residential school survivor from the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation who attended St. Joseph Mission Residential School from 1973-1974.
On her first day of school, the Catholic Oblates, who administered the school on behalf of the Government of Canada, stripped Phyllis’ of her new orange shirt and never returned it to her. September 30th “is the time of year in which children were taken from their homes to residential schools” (1).
Since 2013, the Orange Shirt has served as a symbol of recognition of the atrocities committed in residential schools through the country.
In 2021, the Federal Government recognized September 30th as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to acknowledge and commemorate the violence of residential schools in Canada and honour “the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities”. (2)
The Legal Center encourages you to take this day to reflect on history of colonial oppression that First Nations and Indigenous people have experienced since settlers came to this land in the past into the present.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation serves as a reminder to our community of our commitment towards reconciliation to amend the past and present wrongs and encourage a positive and hopeful future for the next generations. Read more about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Canada: Calls to Action (3).
Local Events
Several events are happening in Peterborough in recognition of the day:
Trent University – Learn more here
- 6:30 a.m. Sunrise Ceremony, Champlain College Fire Pit
- 9:30 a.m. Campus Ceremony and moment of silence, Champlain College Fire Pit
- 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Information table on Bata Podium
- 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon Bridge Chalking, Stephenson/LEC Bridge
- 12:00 noon Three Sisters Breakfast, Gzowski College Quad while supplies last
Peterborough Urban Indigenous Working Group – Learn more here
Event Details
- Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2025
- Time: 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- Location: Peterborough Museum and Archives
Event Schedule
- 7:00am: Sunrise Ceremony
- 8:00am: Breakfast
- 9:00am: Event Opening
- 11:00am: Round Dance
- 12:00pm: Lunch
- 1:00pm: Closing
Trent Teaching Commons – learn more here
Continuing the Journey: Reflecting on a Decade of Truth and Reconciliation
Event Details
- October 9, 2025 – ENW 102 – Ernest and Florence Benedict Gathering Space
Event Schedule
- 1:00pm–3:00pm – Panel: Continuing the Journey: Reflecting on a Decade of Truth and Reconciliation
- 3:00pm–4:00pm – Post-Panel Reception
Mental health supports available
(Sourced From the Canadian Government Website about National Day for Truth and Reconciliation)
Former residential school students can call 1-866-925-4419 for emotional crisis referral services and information on other health supports from the Government of Canada.
Indigenous peoples across Canada can also go to The Hope for Wellness Help Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for counselling and crisis intervention.
Hope for Wellness Help Line
1-855-242-3310
https://www.hopeforwellness.ca/
There is also an online chat option on this website. The chat feature requires Google Chrome Internet Browser to function correctly.
Sources
- Orange Shirt Day
https://orangeshirtday.org/orange-shirt-day/ - Understanding the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1631130192216/1631130220404 - Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
https://ehprnh2mwo3.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Calls_to_Action_English2.pdf
https://nctr.ca/about/history-of-the-trc/truth-and-reconciliation-commission-of-canada-calls-to-action/