Ceremony for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 

On September 29, 2022, at 11:15 a.m., a ceremony will be held at the Flagpole outside of building 5 at the National Defence Headquarters (Carling Campus) near the pond, to honour the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools as well as their families, and communities. All Defence Team members are invited to join the ceremony, which will be hosted by the Commander of the Canadian Forces Support Group (Ottawa-Gatineau).

Last year marked the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. On September 30, 2022, during this day of formal public commemoration, Canadians are once again invited to reflect on and recognize the tragic, painful and ongoing impact of residential schools which remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.

Residential schools were part of colonial assimilationist policies that removed Indigenous children from their communities and families. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an opportunity for Canadians to learn about the lasting negative impacts residential schools have left on generations of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.

The date of September 30 aligns with and builds on Orange Shirt Day, a grassroots and Indigenous-led initiative that raises awareness of the inter-generational impacts of residential schools and the concept of "Every Child Matters”.

Members of the Defence community are encouraged to participate in activities related to this day as well as reflect, and learn more about Orange Shirt Day and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action.