Tomorrow / Sept 30th – Closed for Orange Shirt Day / National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The Peterborough Community Legal Centre (PCLC) will close on Wednesday, September 30th, 2026, to recognize Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Some information in this piece could be upsetting. There are Emotional Supports available below.
Peterborough, also known as Nogojiwanong (the place at the end of the rapids) in Anishinaabemowin language, is 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 in 2013 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. The orange shirt represents the loss of culture, freedom, and self-esteem that countless Indigenous children experienced. Orange Shirt Day was recognized through grassroots participation from 2013 onward to acknowledge that “Every Child Matters”.
In response to Call to Action 80, the proposal for a statutory holiday to honour Residential School Survivors, their families, communities and those who never made it back home, had been circulating slowly in Parliament since 2017. In May 2021 following the discovery of the bodies of 215 Indigenous children in an unmarked grave on the grounds of a former Kamloops Indian Residential School, the Federal Government declared September 30th the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a day of remembrance that symbolizes the intergenerational and enduring effects of the Residential School system, while reflecting on its deep history and legacy. These memorials guide Canada’s understanding of the continuous path toward truth, healing, and reconciliation.
The Legal Center encourages you to take this day to reflect on Canada’s history of colonial oppression that First Nations and Indigenous people have experienced since settlers came to this land in the past into the present.
The Permanent Peoples’ Tribunal on Disappeared Indigenous Children and Unmarked Burials
The Permanent Peoples’ Tribunal on Disappeared Indigenous Children and Unmarked Burials will release it’s Final Judgment at 9:30 am on Wednesday, September 29th:
“The Permanent Peoples’ Tribunal (PPT) is an independent, international opinion tribunal that investigates human rights violations on a global stage. Since 1979, the PPT has held over 50 sessions worldwide, allowing Survivors, families, advocates, and communities to be heard when other institutions have failed them.”
Acknowledgement to Christa Big Canoe of Aboriginal Legal Services, Lead Prosecutor for the PPT, for sharing news of this development with the Community Legal Clinic System.
Local Events
Several events are happening in Peterborough in recognition of the day:
Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre
Date & Time: Wednesday, September 30, 2026 from 6:00 am-8:00am
Event Details: Orange Shirt Day Sunrise Ceremony led by Anne Taylor
The Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre (580 Cameron Street) invites community to join us in honouring survivors and family impacted by Residential Schools, and remembering those loved ones who never made it home. Please contact Darion for further information at wasanabin@nogofc.ca
Nogojiwanong Urban Indigenous Working Group
Date & Time: Wednesday, September 30, 2026 from 9:00 am -1:00 pm
Event Details: All are welcome to join Nogojiwanong Urban Indigenous Working Group at Healthy Planet Arena (911 Monaghan Rd) in remembering those that never made it home and honour the survivors of Residential School and their families.
Tobacco Ceremony Conducted by Knowledge Carrier Kathy MacLeod Beaver
Jingle Dress Healing Dances
Healing Songs with Local Drummers
Lunch Provided
The Canadian Canoe Museum
Date & Time: Wednesday, September 30, 2026, from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Event Details: The museum opens its doors to provide a space for dialogue and reflection. Visitors can explore the collection and special exhibits highlighting the connections between Indigenous peoples, land, and water, alongside special films and interactive activities.
Trent University Symons Campus Observances
Trent University hosts a series of commemorative and educational events open to the community:
- Sunrise Ceremony: 6:30 AM at the Champlain College Fire Pit
- Campus Ceremony & Moment of Silence: 9:30 AM at the Champlain College Fire Pit
- Bridge Chalking: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at the Stephenson/LEC Bridge
- Information Table & Learning Activities: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM at the Lower Bata Podium
- First Peoples House of Learning Support Space: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM at the Ernest & Florence Benedict Gathering Space
- Three Sisters Lunch: 12:00 PM at the Gzowski College Quad
- Quilting Circle for Quilts for Survivors: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM at The Trend, Traill College
Emotional 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/ - 2. Understanding the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation:
https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/national-day-truth-reconciliation.html - Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission:
https://nctr.ca/about/history-of-the-trc/truth-and-reconciliation-commission-of-canada-calls-to-action/