Rainbow Schools mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Rainbow Schools will observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.

A sunrise ceremony will take place at Lively District Secondary School, 265 Fifth Avenue in Lively, on Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at 6:45 am. The ceremony will be conducted by Anishinaabe Traditional Advisor, Mr. Gerard Sagassige, a member of the Curve Lake First Nation, alongside Ms. Martina Osamawick, Anishinaabe Kwe of the Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory.

The school day will begin with a moment of silence for the Survivors of residential schools and the children who never came home. Flags will fly at half-mast. Schools will also honour Survivors, their families and communities by playing a Nokomis Dewe’gan hand drum song prepared by Ms. Elizabeth Osawamick, an Anishinaabe Kwe from the Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory and a professor at Trent University.

“Staff and students will wear orange as we continue to learn about residential schools and their impact on generations of Indigenous peoples,” said Rainbow District School Board Chief Executive Officer Bruce Bourget. “Schools will ensure Indigenous students, staff and families feel supported as we stand together with them during this time of retrospection and reflection.”

Students in Grades 4 to 12 across Rainbow Schools will also attend the “Truth. Resiliency. Hope.” event at Bell Park. The day will include age-appropriate educational activities and teachings related to Indigenous culture and the history of residential schools.

A.B. Ellis Public School students in junior and intermediate classes attended a Fall Harvest Day hosted by Noojmowin Teg Health Centre at the Espanola Recreation Centre on Friday, September 25th. This event celebrated community identity and local harvesting practices while reflecting an ongoing commitment to truth and reconciliation. The entire school community is encouraged to wear orange on Wednesday, September 30th. A moment of silence will be observed during morning announcements to remember the children who never made it home from residential schools. Classes will engage in various learning opportunities about Orange Shirt Day, residential schools, land acknowledgements, and the Calls to Action through read-alouds, discussions and learning activities. Students will also develop an understanding of empathy by highlighting why every child matters.

Adamsdale Public School students in Grades 4 to 6 will attend the “Truth. Resiliency. Hope.” event at Bell Park on Wednesday, September 30th. All classes will take time to recognize and reflect on the history and ongoing impact of the residential school system and its legacy in Canada. This is an opportunity for students and staff to listen, learn from Indigenous voices, and consider how they can all contribute to reconciliation in their school and community. The goal is to help students develop an ongoing understanding of the importance of truth, respect, relationships and reconciliation. All lessons and learning opportunities will be age-appropriate.

Algonquin Road Public School staff and students are encouraged to wear orange on Wednesday, September 30th to recognize the important role we all play in truth and reconciliation. Through various art, literacy and history lessons, students will learn about individual, family and community impacts of the residential school system locally and nationally. Students in Grade 8 will attend the “Truth. Resiliency. Hope.” event at Bell Park on Wednesday, September 30th for a day of cultural education.

Assiginack Public School students will learn about the history and enduring legacy of residential schools. Following this, they will create commemorative wood-round artwork with meaningful words and images. Through art, students will demonstrate their understanding, reflect respectfully on the experiences and legacy of residential school Survivors and their families, and consider their role in advancing reconciliation. Wood rounds will be collected and curated as part of a school-based exhibit. Grade 6 students have feasted hand drums and have begun learning appropriate hand drum protocols and traditional songs. Students will continue to develop their understanding of traditional medicines and will take part in a hands-on learning experience by creating tobacco pouches.

Barrydowne College students are invited to take part in an orange shirt art project. Staff and students are encouraged to wear orange on Wednesday, September 30th in support of residential school Survivors and our collective commitment to truth and reconciliation. Students can participate in an information session about truth and reconciliation as a path forward for a brighter future. The story of Phyllis Webstad’s orange shirt will be shared, and a moment of silence will be observed to honour residential school Survivors, the children who did not make it home and the unmarked graves across Turtle Island.

C.R. Judd Public School students will take part in age-appropriate learning opportunities that encourage reflection, understanding, and awareness of the ongoing impacts of residential schools. Through stories, discussions and classroom lessons, students will continue to learn about the importance of truth and reconciliation. On Wednesday, September 30th, everyone is invited to wear orange as we join together to honour Survivors and remember the children who never made it home.

Central Manitoulin Public School students and staff will reflect and acknowledge the history and lasting impacts of residential schools. The entire school community is invited to wear orange on Wednesday, September 30th to honour the children, families and communities affected. Students will engage in learning opportunities that promote truth and friendship. All classes will create Bricks of Belonging. Students will design individual bricks that share personal stories and reflections about friendship, gratitude, belonging and connections to the land. Collectively, they will stack the bricks as a visual reminder that our individual stories and connections help to build stronger, more caring communities. Together, we can learn from the past, strengthen our relationships, and continue to build a school community where everyone belongs.

Charles C. McLean Public School invites staff and students to wear orange to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation/Orange Shirt Day on Wednesday, September 30th. Classroom and school-wide activities will focus on listening, learning, remembering, respect, reconciliation and understanding why every child matters. Students in Grade 2 will learn about residential schools through a reading of Shin-chi’s Canoe by Nicola I. Campbell  followed by a shared class reflection. Students will also engage in an experiential learning activity at the boardwalk to develop an age-appropriate understanding of Indigenous history in Canada. Students will take part in a land acknowledgement sketching activity as a starting point for collaboratively creating their own class land acknowledgement. Students in Grade 3/4 will read When I Was Eight by Christy Jordan-Fenton and Margaret Pokiak-Fenton to develop an age-appropriate understanding of residential schools and the experiences of Indigenous children. Students will explore the meaning of Every Child Matters and the importance of this day. Students will also create “I matter…” statements on orange paper to form a classroom chain that represents belonging, value, safety and respect. In Grade 6, students will partner-read picture books exploring the experiences and history of residential schools. They will then work in groups of four to share what they read, discuss their learning, and identify common themes and connections. Following a class discussion, students will complete “Heart and Hope” reflections on orange paper hearts, sharing something they learned that saddened them, representing truth, and a hope for a future where everyone feels welcomed, valued and respected, representing reconciliation. Students will transfer their messages to individual orange paper shirts, decorating and displaying them together on a classroom clothesline. Through these learning experiences, students will have the opportunity to listen, learn, reflect and remember, while strengthening their understanding of respect, belonging, truth and reconciliation.

Chelmsford Valley District Composite School will mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with a full day of learning, reflection and Indigenous teachings. Students of various grades will explore the Calls to Action, Seven Grandfather Teachings, the history of moccasins and will take part in a virtual read-aloud. They will also create orange remembrance rocks to honour residential school Survivors and the children who never returned home. The school will also launch its “Rooted in Respect” initiative – to recognize students who demonstrate the Seven Grandfather Teachings throughout the year.

Churchill Public School staff and students are invited to wear orange on Wednesday, September 30th to honour residential school Survivors and demonstrate an ongoing commitment to truth and reconciliation. Students will engage in read-alouds and learning opportunities to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Some Grade 6 students will attend the National Truth and Reconciliation Day event at Bell Park where they will engage in lessons and teachings focused on Indigenous culture and the history of residential schools.

The entire Confederation Secondary School community is invited to wear orange to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation/Orange Shirt Day. Students will attend Bell Park for the “Truth. Resiliency. Hope.” event where they will hear from local Elders and Indigenous voices about the significance of the day. Throughout the year, staff continue to create opportunities for students to learn about the history and legacy of residential schools, honour Survivors, and explore the Seven Grandfather Teachings and their connection to living a good life. The school community will continue this learning by listening to First Nations voices and teachings about reconciliation, reflecting on the truths of our shared history, and honouring Survivors and the children who did not return home.

Copper Cliff Public School students will engage in activities and discussions guided by the resource Speaking Our Truth: A Journey of Reconciliation by Monique Gray Smith. On Wednesday, September 30th, the entire school community is encouraged to wear orange, and will join together for an assembly to reaffirm their commitment to learning about the intergenerational impacts of residential schools, recognize the strength and resilience of Indigenous peoples, and honour Survivors and the children who never came home.

Jean Hanson Public School students and staff are welcome to wear orange on Wednesday, September 30th as a symbol of support to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation / Orange Shirt Day. Principal Shannon Lafrance and Vice-Principal Anastasia Messier will visit classes for shared read-alouds by Indigenous authors.

Lansdowne Public School staff and students will continue their learning about the lasting impacts of the residential school system through meaningful teachings, readings and opportunities for reflection. In recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation / Orange Shirt Day, the entire school community will take part in a week of learning and action through lessons that honour and deepen their understanding of Indigenous cultures, histories, perspectives and traditions. On Wednesday, September 30th, all students and staff are encouraged to wear orange.

Larchwood Public School staff and students will commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation/Orange Shirt Day with a day of learning and reflection. The school community is invited to wear orange to honour residential school Survivors and the children who never made it home. Primary classes will read Phyllis’ Orange Shirt by Phyllis Webstad followed by age-appropriate discussions about how it made them feel and ways to show support. Junior classes will reflect on how children should feel at school. Students will also write affirmations on feathers for the Kindness Wall to promote empathy and reinforce the message that every child matters.

Lasalle Elementary School students will engage in various learning opportunities, including shared readings and read-alouds to deepen their understanding of the significance of wearing an orange shirt and to commemorate this day. The importance of truth and reconciliation will form the basis for various classroom discussions and learning activities, including raising awareness about the individual, family, and community intergenerational impacts of residential schools. On Wednesday, September 30th, all students and staff are encouraged to wear orange.

Lasalle Secondary School students will recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation/Orange Shirt Day while engaging in meaningful learning that honours Indigenous knowledge, perspectives, histories and ways of knowing. Some intermediate students will explore The Secret Path by Gord Downie and Jeff Lemire – a Canadian multimedia storytelling project with a music album, a graphic novel, an animated television film, and instructional materials with interviews and discussions about the book, its meaning and history. Secondary students will examine Indigenous governance and rights in Canada to develop an understanding of traditional plants and the Four Sacred Medicines, and will discuss the importance of approaching Indigenous knowledge with respect, responsibility and care. Students will also explore the story of The Water Walker to make connections to Wikwemikong and the importance of protecting our water, land and communities. Through reading, research, discussion and collaborative inquiry, students are encouraged to listen, reflect and ask thoughtful questions while deepening their understanding of truth and reconciliation, and our shared responsibility to learn, grow and continue learning alongside one another.

Levack Public School students and staff will wear orange to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation/Orange Shirt Day to honour the Survivors, their families and communities, and the children who never made it home. Throughout the day, students will learn, reflect and connect through meaningful stories including With Our Orange Hearts, Phyllis’s Orange Shirt, and Beyond the Orange Shirt Story by Phyllis Webstad as well as Orange Shirts – Strong Hearts by Jem Maracle. Together, the entire school community will listen, learn, remember and continue the journey towards reconciliation.

Little Current Public School staff and students are encouraged to wear orange on Wednesday, September 30th to recognize the important role we must all play in truth and reconciliation. Through various art, literacy and historical lessons, students will learn about individual, family and community impacts of the residential school system locally and nationally. Students will experience sweet grass teachings and participate in Kenjgewin Teg’s Fall Harvest. Indigenous Tourism Ontario will have an exhibition at the school to explore Indigenous ways of knowing, celebrate their diversity and interconnectedness, and recognize their lasting contributions to the global community.

Lively District Secondary School will recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day will begin with a Sunrise Ceremony at 6:45 am, bringing staff and students together to honour Survivors who’ve shared their stories and to remember the children who never made it home. Throughout the day, the school community will wear orange while learning, reflecting, remembering and continuing their journey toward reconciliation together.

Lockerby Composite School students and staff will reflect upon and acknowledge the history and lasting impacts of residential schools. On Wednesday, September 30th, the entire school community is invited to wear orange to honour residential school Survivors and the children who never made it home. To encourage moments of reflection, orange ribbons will be prepared and distributed by members of the Student Council. Classes will engage in various lessons, readings and discussions about truth and reconciliation including The Legend of the Three Sisters. To signify their commitment, the entire school community is invited to take part in beading projects during lunch.

MacLeod Public School will join together to learn, reflect and honour Indigenous voices and experiences. Classrooms will engage in age-appropriate lessons, including the story of Phyllis Webstad and the meaning behind Orange Shirt Day. Older students will deepen their understanding of the history of residential schools in Canada and their lasting impact on Indigenous communities. Throughout the day, students will also hear readings that celebrate and honour Indigenous culture and stories.

Manitoulin Secondary School will mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with a morning smudge in front of the school with tobacco offerings. A table in the main foyer will feature orange shirts and resources highlighting the significance of the day, while cedar tea will be available. Corn soup will be served in the cafeteria. Students will take part in readings, teachings and reflections to deepen their understanding of the history and ongoing impacts of the residential school system in Canada. Students will also explore original treaty agreements and interpret what that might mean in today’s world. There will also be discussion about what ideas and actions might be taken to modernize some of the treaty agreements. Everyone is encouraged to wear an orange shirt as a way to recognize the strength and resilience of Indigenous peoples and honour Survivors and the children who never came home.

Monetville Public School students in Grades 4 to 8 will participate in a Mini Pow Wow at Dokis First Nation on Tuesday, September 29th. The entire school community will join together to recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation/Orange Shirt Day on Wednesday, September 30th – honouring residential school Survivors, remembering the children who never returned home, and deepening their collective understanding of truth and reconciliation. Everyone is welcome to wear orange shirts. The day will begin with a moment of silence followed by a school-wide assembly where students will learn more about the meaning of this significant day and the importance of truth, remembrance and reconciliation.

Northeastern Elementary School students will engage in various learning opportunities including readings, discussions and classroom lessons. Students will also explore the history of residential schools. On Wednesday, September 30th, some students will attend the “Truth. Resiliency. Hope.” event at Bell Park for a day of cultural education. The entire school community is encouraged to wear an orange shirt to recognize the strength and resilience of Indigenous peoples, honour Survivors as well as the children who never came home.

Princess Anne Public School students from Kindergarten to Grade 8 will listen to the poem With Our Orange Hearts by Phyllis Webstab, the founder of Orange Shirt Day, to learn about the significance of this important day. Students will then contribute words of inspiration and understanding on a large orange shirt to symbolize their collective commitment to truth and reconciliation. Some junior students will attend the “Truth. Resiliency. Hope.” event at Bell Park for a day of cultural education with lessons and teachings focused on Indigenous culture and the history of residential schools.

Queen Elizabeth II Public School students from Kindergarten to Grade 4 will take part in age-appropriate classroom-based learning and discussions to deepen their support for residential school Survivors and further their understanding of the ongoing impacts of Canada’s residential school system. Grade 5 and 6 students will attend the National Truth and Reconciliation Day event at Bell Park where they will engage in lessons and teachings focused on Indigenous culture and the history of residential schools. All staff and students are encouraged to wear orange.

R.H. Murray Public School will join together on Wednesday, September 30th to recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation/Orange Shirt Day. Students and staff are encouraged to wear orange to honour residential school Survivors, their families and communities, and the children who never returned home. Throughout the day, students in all grades will take part in age-appropriate learning about the history and lasting impacts of residential schools. As part of the school-wide commemoration, each student will write a message of hope and reflection on an orange hand. The hands will be displayed on tree branches in the school foyer to create a meaningful visual representation of remembrance, hope and the school’s commitment to reconciliation.

R.L. Beattie Public School students will mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation/Orange Shirt Day through literature, art and moments of reflection. Learning activities include Indigenous-focused read-alouds and library resources, exploring the loss of Indigenous languages, and creating French-Anishinaabemowin dictionaries. Kindergarten students will welcome a special guest who will share his knowledge of plants and their significance to Indigenous Peoples. This will support the ongoing learning about Indigenous cultures, ways of knowing and connections to the land. Grade 5 students will attend the “Truth. Resiliency. Hope.” event at Bell Park for a day of cultural education.

Redwood Acres Public School staff and students are invited to wear orange in support of residential school Survivors on Wednesday, September 30th. The day will commence with a moment of silence in remembrance of the children that did not make it home. Students will participate in a read aloud of the book With Our Orange Hearts by Phyllis Webstad, and will engage in age-appropriate conversations about how we can work together towards truth and reconciliation. An Every Child Matters banner will be on display in the school to remind everyone about the importance of this day. Students are invited to add orange hearts with messages of hope and reflection.

Sudbury Secondary School staff and students will engage in various learning opportunities to mark the National Truth and Reconciliation Day/Orange Shirt Day. On Wednesday,  September 30th, everyone is encouraged to wear orange to honour residential school Survivors, their families and communities, and the children who never made it home.  Approximately 70 students will walk to the “Truth. Resiliency. Hope.” event at Bell Park for a day of cultural education. Students in Ojibwe Language and First Nations Studies classes are creating “Forget Me Not” orange shirt pins as a meaningful symbol and to honour the significance of this day. Students will explore the purpose of land acknowledgements, with an opportunity to create their own. They can also participate in a smudging ceremony and hand-drumming. Staff and students are invited to contribute to a Truth and Reconciliation pledge on a display banner featuring orange handprints. On Thursday, October 1st, some students will attend a Fall Harvest on M’Chigeeng First Nation where they will engage in various activities including birch bark work, medicine bundles, cedar tea, etc. On Friday, October 2nd, all Sudbury Secondary students will celebrate the rich cultural diversity among its student population with Multicultural Day. Students in parenting classes are sharing their creation stories. They are also watching the documentary “Grandmother Moon” which speaks to the power of the female body and its connection to nature.

Valley View Public School students in Grade 8 will attend the “Truth. Resiliency. Hope.” event at Bell Park for a day of cultural education. Students will bring their learning back to share their reflections during a school assembly on Friday, October 1st, which will highlight the importance of truth and reconciliation as well as meaningful next steps. Students in Kindergarten to Grade 7 will take part in meaningful, age-appropriate classroom learning. All students are encouraged to wear orange as a visible expression of their commitment to learning, understanding and reconciliation.

Walden Public School staff and students are encouraged to wear orange shirts to recognize the important role we must all play in truth and reconciliation on Wednesday, September 30th. Through various art, literacy and history lessons, students will learn about individual, family and community impacts of the residential school system locally and nationally. Students of all grades will contribute words of inspiration and understanding on large banners cut in the shape of t-shirts, which will be connected to symbolize their collective commitment to truth and reconciliation.

Westmount Avenue Public School classes will engage in a read-aloud about the meaning of Orange Shirt Day on Wednesday, September 30th. Classes will engage in a sensory activity where they will build an orange shirt using orange-coloured rice. Orange ribbons will be tied to the fence to honour their commitment to truth and reconciliation.

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Media Contact:

Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor,
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning,
Rainbow District School Board, 705-674-3171 ext. 7217.