September 24, 2026

11 Tangible Steps You Can Take in honour of Truth and Reconciliation 

September 30th is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. 

At FoodShare, we believe it is important to recognize that reconciliation isn’t one day of wearing an orange t-shirt, but an ongoing, daily process of decolonization and re-Indigenization for everyone in so-called Canada. 

Together with folks from our Indigenous Advisory Circle, and FoodShare’s Indigenous Action Coordinator Shar-Dey Phipps-Walker, we have carefully curated a list of resources to read, watch, and listen to, as well as actions to take in support of Indigenous communities. The initial list was created in 2023 but we continue to update it each year with new learning materials, resources and events. This year we are adding an important, and time-sensitive, call to action to Protect the Record 

Members of the FoodShare team recently had the privilege of attending an event at the Every Child Matters Garden at Flemo Farm where respected Elder and intergenerational Survivor of the residential school system, Betty, encouraged everyone to get involved in preserving the stories of Survivors which are at risk of being lost forever. As of Sep. 19, 2027, the largest archive of Survivor testimony on residential schools – 38,000 records of Survivor testimony gathered as part of the 2006 Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement (IRSSA) – is eligible to be destroyed based on a ruling of the Supreme Court of Canada. In the context of rising denialism and white nationalism, it is more vital than ever to preserve the stories of folks who survived residential schools.

“The most comprehensive archive that exists of Survivor testimony is set to be destroyed next year…and a lot of people don’t know that these records are about to be destroyed.” – Connie Walker

Learn more by attending the Yellowhead Institute’s Sept 30 event (details below), read the submission and response to this 2025 petition to the House of Commons, share the myrecordsmychoice resource widely and support the campaign to Protect the Record which aims to:

Together we can advocate to ensure Survivors stories are safeguarded for generations to come.

11 Tangible Steps You Can Take in honour of Truth and Reconciliation 

Please share this list, and return to it frequently, as many of these actions can (and should) be taken any day of the year.

  • Telling Our Twisted Histories: Words connect us. Words hurt us. Indigenous histories have been twisted by centuries of colonization. Host Kaniehti:io Horn brings us together to decolonize our minds– one word, one concept, one story at a time.
  • Unreserved: A fearless space for Indigenous voices. Join Rosanna Deerchild every Friday for vibrant conversations with our cousins, aunties, elders, and heroes. Rosanna guides us on the path to better understanding our shared story. Together, we learn and unlearn, laugh and become gentler in all our relations.
  • 2 Crees in a Pod: A podcast unapologetically creating space for Indigenous resurgence and stories, and honouring Indigenous helping practices and education.
  • A Tribe Called Geek: An award-winning media platform for Indigenous Geek Culture and STEM. Their podcast prides itself on its “Indigenerdity.”
  • The Henceforward considers relationships between Indigenous Peoples and Black Peoples on Turtle Island, investigating mutual obligations and possibilities for contingent collaboration

When she was six, Phyllis (Jack) Webstad had a brand new orange shirt for her first day of school, bought for her by her grandmother. When she arrived at residential school, she was stripped and her clothes were taken away, including her orange shirt. The shirt was never returned. To Phyllis, the colour orange was a reminder of her residential school experiences: “how my feelings didn’t matter, how no one cared and I felt like I was worth nothing. All of us little children were crying and no one cared.” Learn more about Phyllis’ story

When we wear an orange shirt in honour of Truth and Reconciliation it’s important that we connect with the brutal history of residential schools and the ongoing harm they have caused to Indigenous people across Turtle Island.

  • Turtle Protectors/Mishiikenh Gizhaasowin- Indigenous-guided turtle stewardship program. You can donate and sign up for training on how to protect turtle hatchlings in Toronto parks. 

  • Native Arts Society – Indigenous-led + 2spirit/queer/trans-led art gallery supporting under-represented Indigenous folks.
  • The No BS Label– Afro-Indigenous + Two-Spirit-owned apparel, accessories and beadwork- medicine you can wear.
  • Mnopgwad Preserves – Anishinabekwe and woman-owned by Germaine Catchpole, Mnopgwad serves unique handcrafted seasonal jams like Blueberry Tarragon and Strawberry Basil. 
  • Birch Bark Coffee– Founder Mark Marsolais-Nahwegahbow wanted to bring folks premium, Fairtrade-certified coffee blends where purchases support clean water, food security, and community programs.
  • The Cedar Basket– The official gift shop of the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto has a wide selection of First Nations, Métis and Inuit handcrafted jewelry, musical instruments & accessories.
  • The Flying Chestnut Kitchen– Foodie fav Shawn Adler, the mastermind behind Pow Wow Cafe and star of Pow Wow Chow on APTN is always on the move serving up delicious eats at events all over Ontario and beyond. Follow him on Instagram to make sure you make it to a pop-up near you! 

  • The Right to Truth: Protecting Indian Residential School Records
    Wed. Sep. 30 from 3-5PM
    Evergreen Brick Works at 550 Bayview Avenue

    In less than a year, the largest archive of Survivor testimony on residential schoolsis set to be destroyed by order of the Supreme Court of Canada.In the context of rising residential school denialism, this Yellowhead Fire, in collaboration with the Indian Residential School Records Project, is an important conversation at a critical juncture, hosted by the Yellowhead Institute featuring Connie Walker, Kimberly Murray, Marie Wilson, Stephen Kakfwi, in conversation by Hayden King.

  • National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in High Park
    Sat. Oct. 3 from 1-4PM
    High Park Forest School at 375 Colborne Lodge Drive

    Through teachings, storytelling, reflection, and community gathering, attendees will have the chance to learn about Indigenous histories, cultures, stewardship, and the ongoing journey of reconciliation. This is a free public event. Everyone is welcome. While registration helps organizers plan for attendance, walk-ins are welcome.

  • Truth and Reconciliation Week 2026 with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
    September 21 through September 25, 2026
    Online

    Truth and Reconciliation Week 2026 is a transformative five-day journey for students (grades 1-12), educators, and the broader community to engage with the poignant history and enduring spirit of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. Join daily Lunch & Learns, witness “From Roots We Rise: A Youth Gathering”, engage in meaningful dialogues, and contribute to our collective path toward reconciliation. Programming is available in English, French, and ASL.

    Teachers from grades 1-12 can also set up an account to access to the centre’s Education Portal which provides an  immersive experience to UN-learn the myths of colonial history in Canada.

  • Truth and Reconciliation Week 2026 with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
    Sep. 28 7-8PM 
    55 Mill St. Distillery District 

    Join Anishnawbe Health Foundation for an evening of reflection, learning and connection ahead of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

    Gather at the Distillery District to listen, learn and reflect on the histories and ongoing impacts of residential schools and what reconciliation asks of each of us today.The evening will include words from Indigenous leaders and community voices, along with traditional song and Jingle Dress dancing, creating space to come together in community and deepen our understanding of Truth and Reconciliation.Whether you have been engaged in this work for years or are beginning your own learning journey, you are welcome to join us.

    As we approach September 30, we also invite you to wear orange and continue your learning beyond this gathering. This year’s Anishnawbe Health Foundation Orange Shirt features Held in Care, a design by Indigenous artist Joshua Hunt, with proceeds supporting Anishnawbe Health Toronto.

  • Light Toronto Orange: Truth and Reconciliation Day
    Sep. 30 from dusk
    Base of the CN Tower

    The Canada Malting Silos at Public Pier will be illuminated orange as a symbol of remembrance, reflection, and a shared commitment to Truth and Reconciliation alongside the CN Tower, The Bentway, and other neighbourhood partners. All are welcome to join the main event, Light the Tower Orange, at the CN Tower, held in partnership with the Orange Shirt Society. The evening will feature remarks from Elders and Indigenous community representatives, along with music, traditional drumming, and dance performances intended to bring Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities together in the spirit of reconciliation.

  • Land Back: A Yellowhead School Online Course is an open access online course about the ways Canada dispossesses Indigenous people of the land — and the strategies communities are using to get it back.In this course, you will learn about the scope of land dispossession in Canada, historically and in the present, as well as examples of resistance that result in the enforcement of Indigenous models of consent. The course also considers the future of the Land Back movement with reference to climate activism and solidarity with non-Indigenous communities.
  • Indigenous Canada is a 12-lesson Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) from the Faculty of Native Studies that explores the different histories and contemporary perspectives of Indigenous peoples living in Canada. From an Indigenous perspective, this course explores complex experiences Indigenous peoples face today from a historical and critical perspective highlighting national and local Indigenous-settler relations. Indigenous Canada is for students from faculties outside the Faculty of Native Studies with an interest in acquiring a basic familiarity with Indigenous/non-Indigenous relationships.

At a time when residential school denialism is on the rise, we absolutely cannot forget our collective history and the intergenerational harm that remains as a result.

At the same time, those of us who are not Indigenous must ensure we don’t reduce folks to their traumas. But we also need to do our part to create the best possible conditions for First Nations, Métis and Inuit people to sing, dance, raise families, make art and food, and, to simply exist.

Let’s celebrate, honour and uplift Indigenous joy, celebration, community, humour, and everyday happiness. There are so many incredible examples to choose from, here’s just a few:

  • Have a laugh with Chelazon Leroux whose stand up and persona is filled with snark and sparkle
  • Follow along on Juno-nominated Brianna Lizotte’s quest to revitalize traditional music
  • Plan a road trip to check out Naagan in Owen Sound where you can enjoy a 12-course tasting menu from Chef Zach Keeshig featuring treats like spelt bannock and sweetgrass ice cream

As many continue to reflect, heal, and confront traumas this National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, be aware that there are several resources available for those who may require support:

  • Talk4Healing: a culturally grounded, confidential helpline for Indigenous women in Ontario available in 14 languages at 1-855-554-HEAL

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