National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Monday, September 30, 2024

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Monday, September 30, 2024 

A Day of Remembrance across Canada 

There were 140 federally run residential schools in Canada. 

September 30th marks our collective recognition of the intergenerational impact that the residential school system had, and continues to have, on Indigenous Peoples.  It is a day to mourn the children who did not return from residential school and to honour the survivors, their families, and the resilience of their communities. 

We ask that you please take time to review the Calls to Action and, over the course of the coming days and months, find time to review the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Reports. 

We can learn and reflect on the meaning of this day by attending an event. There are several events scheduled in and around Ottawa including a 90-minute multilingual commemorative gathering on Parliament Hill. This gathering is organized by APTN, the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, CBC/Radio-Canada and the Algonquin Nation and seeks to honour survivors, pay tribute to the children who never made it home from residential schools, and deliver a safe and nurturing environment for reconciliation and healing.  You may attend this event in person or watch the live broadcast on APTN and other supporting broadcasters. 

We invite you to also read the public statement by Ontario’s three Chief Justices regarding the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30th) and how it will continue to be honoured:

September 30th is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This is a day to reflect on the tragic legacy of the residential school system and the ways it continues to affect Indigenous Peoples in Canada. It is a day to mourn the children who did not return from residential school and to honour the survivors, their families, and the resilience of their communities.

Ontario’s Courts will continue to honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by limiting operations on this day as follows:

In the Ontario Court of Justice, only Weekend and Statutory Holiday (bail) courts will operate.
In the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, only urgent matters such as those heard on statutory holidays will be heard.
In the Court of Appeal for Ontario, no motions or appeals will be scheduled for that day.
At all levels of court, counter services will not be available.
In years when September 30th falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the Courts will honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on the Monday that follows September 30th. For example, because September 30th, 2028 falls on a Saturday, the Courts will honour the Day on Monday, October 2nd, 2028.

The CCLA will join the Ontario Courts in amending its schedule for Monday, September 30.