(September 30, 2025 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa, Ontario) – Today, the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief, Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, acknowledged the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day, urging the Government of Canada to advance progress towards fully implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) 94 Calls to Action and closing the First Nations infrastructure gap.
“Reconciliation requires a new relationship with the Crown, one built on mutual respect and full implementation of our Treaty rights, inherent rights, title and jurisdiction, and our rights under international law,” said Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, National Chief of the AFN. “Today is a day to honour all survivors of the residential schools and to commit ourselves to the actions and investments needed to build strong First Nations and a stronger country for all of us.”
Orange Shirt Day has its origins in 1973 when six-year-old Phyllis Webstad entered the St. Joseph Mission Residential School, outside of Williams Lake, BC, wearing a brand-new orange shirt for her first day of school. School staff quickly took away her new shirt and replaced it with the school’s institutional uniform. Ms. Webstad’s story has become a national movement to recognize the experiences of survivors of residential schools and show a collective commitment to ensure that every child matters. The date, September 30, was chosen because it was the time of the year when federal agents would enter the communities to take the children to residential schools.
“Survivors are testament to the resilience and strength of First Nations people, and our languages and cultures,” said the National Chief. “We have come a long way, but we need to move faster and work together to make bold strides for lasting change. Reconciliation requires that we move on many fronts, including reform of child welfare, a revitalized justice system respectful of First Nations’ laws and practices, closing the infrastructure gap, revitalizing language and culture, and the full implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. Working together on a comprehensive plan for progress and prosperity for all is a true nation-building project and an investment in our shared future. That is what real reconciliation is all about.”
In 2015, the TRC released its Final Report, outlining 94 Calls to Action and 10 Principles for Reconciliation and urging all levels of government to work together to readdress the harm caused by residential schools and advance reconciliation. Ten years later, First Nations continue to call for the full implementation of the 94 Calls to Action.
The AFN encourages individuals, communities, and organizations nationwide to participate in events and activities that promote awareness, education, and reflection on the history and legacy of residential schools.
The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a national advocacy organization that works to advance the collective aspirations of First Nations individuals and communities across Canada on matters of national or international nature and concern.
Contact information:
Cherish Francis
Press Secretary
Office of the National Chief
(343) 630-1372 (mobile)
[email protected]