National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day 2026

Dear NNDSB Parents, Guardians and Families,   

On September 30, we recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day. Across the Near North District School Board (NNDSB), we take this day to remember the children who never returned home from residential schools, honour Survivors and recognize the impact of the residential school system on Indigenous families and communities.   

Wearing orange is one way we demonstrate our commitment to remembering and learning about the history and legacy of residential schools. This day is also an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the truths of the residential school system, listen to the voices of Survivors and their families, and ensure that these histories and their ongoing impacts are never forgotten.  

As an education system, we have a responsibility to guide students in understanding this history and the role they can play in reconciliation. That responsibility goes beyond September 30. It is part of building awareness of the communities they live in and the history that has shaped them, and recognizing the role each of us can play in advancing reconciliation.  

We recognize there is more to do, and we are grateful to those who help guide us along the way.  

We encourage families to talk with their children about what they are hearing and discussing at school and to create space for questions and honest conversations at home. You may not have all the information yet, and that’s part of the learning process. What matters is creating opportunities to learn together.   

September 30 is a day to remember, reflect, and learn. What we do with those lessons in the months ahead matters. 

Jay MacJanet
CEO/CEDO 

Rebecca Bell
Supervisor