Honouring and Reflecting: The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Each year, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day are commemorated on September 30 in Canada. The Town of Whitby encourages residents and Town employees to learn and reflect on the history of residential schools in Canada, and their commitment to truth and reconciliation. 

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation recognizes the tragic legacy of residential schools, the missing children, the families left behind, and the survivors of these institutions. 

Here’s how to learn more and get involved:

Tie an Orange Ribbon: From September 8 to October 6, pick up an orange ribbon at the Whitby Public Library Central Library (405 Dundas St) and tie it to the fence outside the Presse Café to honour children lost to residential schools. Pick up a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation card while you're there. Learn more at WhitbyLibrary.ca.

Walking Together: A Journey Through Truth, Reconciliation, and Indigenous Experience

Friday, September 25, 2026, at 2 to 4 p.m.

55+ Recreation Centre, 801 Brock Street South, Whitby (Upper Activity Room)

Register: Code #68200 | Free

Dr. Peter Menzies, a social worker with over 20 years of experience. Has supported his home community of the Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation and other northern Ontario communities. In this two-hour workshop, he will explore issues facing Indigenous Peoples in Canada, including colonialism, traditions, urban challenges, and building partnerships with Indigenous communities.

Walk the Orange Crosswalk: The Town’s commemorative orange crosswalk at King and Dundas Streets honours the children taken by residential schools. Reflect on the impact as you pass by.

Wear an #OrangeShirt: On September 30, wear an #OrangeShirt to honour residential school survivors and support reconciliation. Consider purchasing a shirt from the Orange Shirt Society or support local Indigenous communities through Bawaajigewin - An Aboriginal Community Circle or Nish Tees.

Read Indigenous Stories: Visit whitby.ca/Diversity to find resources to expand your knowledge of First Nations, the Inuit, and Métis people and browse Whitby Public Library’s reading list to learn more about the history of Canada and the relationship with its Indigenous people.

The Town’s social media channels will be dedicated to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day on September 30.

 On the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Town of Whitby will be closing some of our facilities so we can reflect and honour survivors, their families and communities, and the continued impacts on the lives of Indigenous peoples across the country. See below for a list of what will remain open and what will be closed.

Holiday Service Changes

Town Hall and Garden Street Branch in-person and phone services will close at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 29 and will be open at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 1. 

Recreation Facilities

All Town recreation facilities will be open on Wednesday, September 30.

Libraries

All Whitby Public Library locations will be closed on Wednesday, September 30. Book returns remain open. Digital content is available 24/7 at WhitbyLibrary.ca. 

Waste Collection

Waste Services will continue as scheduled on September 30.  Please put your garbage, green bin, and blue boxes out one day after your regular pick up day. To confirm your collection pickup day, check the waste collection calendar or download the Whitby Waste Buddy app. Visit our waste page for details.