National Day for Truth & Reconciliation
The area known as Tkaronto has been a gathering place since time immemorial and has been taken care of by many Indigenous Nations. Today, the City of Toronto is home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit, and Metis peoples from across Turtle Island.
The Toronto Transit Commission acknowledges the harmful legacies of colonization. Colonial laws and policies such as the Indian Act, Sixties Scoop, and Residential and Day School System were governmental attempts to forcefully assimilate First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. Indigenous communities suffer long-term, intergenerational repercussions from these colonial laws, and these policies have manifested in barriers to safety and access to systems and organizations.
As a vital connector across the diverse communities of Toronto, the Toronto Transit Commission recognizes its unique role in fostering inclusion and reconciliation. Public transit is not just a means of travel—it is a shared space where equity, respect, and understanding must thrive. The TTC is intentionally walking the path of reconciliation. It is committed to identifying and addressing barriers, locating gaps, and rectifying colonial harms and wrongdoings across the organization.
The TTC is honoring National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, observed annually on September 30th. The day is in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call to Action 80 which states “. We call upon the federal government, in collaboration with Aboriginal peoples, to establish, as a statutory holiday, a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honour Survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.” (TRC, 2015, p.9).
This day is also known as Orange Shirt Day, based on the story of Phyllis Webstad, whose orange shirt was stripped from her on her first day at a residential school. Today, this shirt is worn as an act of resistance and reclamation. As stated by the Orange Shirt Society “The orange shirt has become a symbol of hope, reconciliation and a commitment to a better future. By wearing an orange shirt on September 30th, you make a statement to support reconciliation and commit to the enduring truth that EVERY CHILD MATTERS” (Orange Shirt Society 2025). For more information, check out their website: https://orangeshirtday.org/
Over the past year the TTC and the ATU 113 United Indigenous Council has deepened its commitments to Truth and Reconciliation. This has included:
- Holding multiple Sunrise Ceremonies
- Participating in the 2-Spirit and Na-Me-Res Powwows with Cooling busses and Talent Management representation
- Partnering with Indigenous Vendors to expand economic opportunities
- Hosting our first Indigenous Youth Vendor Fair &
- Working alongside Indigenous youth co-op students who provided invaluable insight into youth priorities and experiences
- Indigenous Voices at the TTC workshops at TDSB schools
- Hosting a booth at Toronto Council Fire's 2025 Legacy Gathering on September 29-30 with our Every Child Matters wrapped bus
Each of these efforts are helping to shape the development of the TTC’s first ever Reconciliation Action Strategy, which will guide us in our work to create meaningful relationships, reduce systemic barriers, and rebuild community trust.
Please join the TTC during the month of September in standing with Truth, Reconciliation, and the enduring message that Every Child Matter.
Important Resources:
The Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/british-columbians-our-governments/indigenous-people/aboriginal-peoples-documents/calls_to_action_english2.pdf
Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls:
https://www.mmiwg-ffada.ca/final-report/
City of Toronto Indigenous Affairs Office:
https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/accessibility-human-rights/indigenous-affairs-office/
City of Toronto Indigenous Resources:
Friendship Centre- https://www.councilfire.ca/
Employment- https://www.miziwebiik.com/
Youth & Early Childhood- https://enagb-iya.ca/
Indigenous Cultural Centre & Social Service supports- https://www.ncct.on.ca/
Women’s Resources- https://nwrct.ca/
2-Spirit Resources- https://2spirits.org/
Métis Resources- https://tyrmc.org/
Inuit Resources- https://tiontario.ca/programs/toronto-programs
Health Services- https://aht.ca/
Therapy Services- https://findingourpowertogether.com/
*Please note this list is not conclusive as we could not fit every amazing resource on this page. We encourage our riders to explore and research the Indigenous community supports around them.