September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also recognized as Orange Shirt Day. It is a day to honour residential school Survivors, the children who never returned home, and the families and communities who continue to carry the impacts of the residential school system.
The day is an opportunity to learn about the history and ongoing legacy of residential schools, listen to Indigenous voices and experiences, and reflect on our individual and collective responsibilities toward reconciliation. Orange Shirt Day is Indigenous-led and Survivor-founded, with "every child matters" as its guiding message.
The NASA Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity (EDI) Committee encourages members to take time this September 30 to listen, learn and reflect. Wearing orange can be one small act of recognition, but reconciliation is an ongoing responsibility that extends beyond one day. Read a Survivor’s story. Explore the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. Learn about Indigenous histories and contemporary experiences. Attend a local or campus event. Consider what reconciliation means in your workplace and community and what action you can take throughout the year. Truth comes first. Reconciliation is an ongoing responsibility.
Resources for learning and reflection
On campus
University of Alberta Faculty of Native Studies - Explore courses and learning opportunities that examine Indigenous histories, contemporary experiences, and Indigenous–non-Indigenous relations.
Indigenous Canada - UAlberta’s free online course provides an introduction to the histories and contemporary perspectives of Indigenous peoples living in Canada.
UAlberta Library - Explore Indigenous-focused collections and resources related to residential schools, reconciliation, and Indigenous histories.
First Peoples’ House - Learn more about Indigenous student supports, community, and programming at the University of Alberta.
Beyond campus
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation - Explore the history of residential schools, Survivors’ statements, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
Orange Shirt Society - Access Indigenous-led, Survivor-informed guides, activities, and videos about residential schools and Orange Shirt Day.
Government of Canada: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - Learn more about the history and significance of September 30 and find additional resources for learning and reflection.
Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund - Learn about Chanie Wenjack’s story and explore opportunities to continue learning and acting toward reconciliation.
Wear orange 🧡 and enter to win!
We wear orange on September 30 to echo Orange Shirt Day founder Phyllis Webstad's experience of having her new orange shirt confiscated on her first day at residential school. The gesture serves as a powerful reminder that every child matters, and to honor residential school survivors and the children who never returned home. You can read Phyllis Webstad's story in her own words.
The NASA EDI Committee encourages members to wear an orange shirt on September 30 and participate in our National Day for Truth and Reconciliation photo campaign.
Take a photo of yourself wearing orange for a chance to win one of two $25 Daily Grind gift cards! There are two ways to participate:
Option 1: Share on social media
Wear orange, take a photo, and share it on social media. Tag NASA in your post so we can see your participation:
- Instagram: @nasatheunion
- Threads: @nasatheunion
- Bluesky: @nasatheunion.bsky.social
- X: @unionnasa
- Facebook: Non-Academic Staff Association - NASA
Option 2: Email your photo
Prefer not to post on social media? Email a photo of yourself wearing orange to the NASA EDI Committee at edi@nasaunion.ca. Your photo will be included in the draw without requiring you to share it publicly.
Contest deadline: September 30, 2026. Two winners will be randomly selected to receive a $25 Daily Grind gift card. Winners will be contacted on October 5, 2026.
By submitting a photo, you consent to NASA using the photo for this initiative and related NASA EDI communications. Please ensure that anyone appearing in your photo has consented to its submission.