National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

See message from the IERHA Indigenous Health team: Honouring the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in healthcare – Interlake-Eastern RHA

See winners of our National day for Truth and Reconciliation artwork contest: Artwork contest winners reflect on reconciliation ahead of Sept. 30 – Interlake-Eastern RHA

September 30 has been designated the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a federal statutory holiday in recognition of the tragic history and ongoing legacy of residential schools. The history of this day builds upon the important work of the Orange Shirt Society and the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report. It is a day to witness, recognize and honour Indigenous victims and survivors of the residential school legacy and inform further action in the spirit of reconciliation.
Across Manitoba we offer health care services on the original lands of First Nations, Inuit and on the homeland of the Métis Nation. We dedicate ourselves to collaborate in partnership with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in the spirit of reconciliation and to the creation of health care environments that are safe, accessible and equitable for the populations we serve.

In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) published its final report on the residential school system and its legacy and consequences, including ten Principles of Reconciliation and 94 Calls to Action.

Please note: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation deals with topics that might be distressing for some readers. For any IERHA staff who find this time difficult, there are supports available. Please feel welcome to reach out to your manager if help is needed, and our employee assistance program is available as well. Additional resources can also be found here: Emergency / Crisis – Residential School Survivors Hotline – 211 Manitoba | Manitoba

All health-care workers are encouraged to wear orange at work this week and on Monday if doing so won’t interfere with infection prevention and control protocols applicable to your position.

The Survivor’s Flag

The Survivor’s Flag will be displayed at half mast at all IERHA facilities that have a flag pole up until October 1. The Survivors’ Flag is an expression of remembrance, meant to honour residential school Survivors and all the lives and communities impacted by the residential school system in Canada.

Survivor's Hope Flag with white and orange

Events

Local programs and events:

Huddle Selkirk in collaboration with Gaynor Regional Family Library throughout September 2025 is hosting/facilitating a series of programs and events in recognition for National Truth and Reconciliation Day/Orange T-Shirt Day.

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation education events

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation is also hosting lunch-and-learn events from Sept. 22 to 26. Learn more about the lunch-and-learn events.

Sept. 22: Surviving the Residential School System
Sept. 23: Uncovering the Truth: Ground Searches
Sept. 24: The Ongoing Legacy of the Residential School System through Child Welfare
Sept. 25: Reflecting on the TRC’s Calls to Action 10 Years Later
Sept. 25: Corporate Conversations on Reconciliation
Sept. 26: Confronting Residential School Denialism

Here are a few more local events:

Free event at Eriksdale Recreation Centre from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. – September 27

Sagkeeng Every Child Matters Pow Wow – September 30