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National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2024

September 30, 2024

The Governor General joined Survivors, Indigenous leaders and dignitaries to honour the thousands of lives lost or traumatically impacted by the residential school system at the national commemorative gathering on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, or Orange Shirt Day, honours the beloved children who never returned home, the resilient Survivors, and the families and communities forever changed by the residential school system. Although the day is centred on publicly acknowledging how the residential school system left a legacy of harm to Indigenous people, it is also a day to encourage all Canadians to commit to learning and understanding.

Reconciliation is a shared pursuit. We all have a responsibility to take steps, collectively, to right the historic wrongs that continue to impact the present.

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada

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Governor General Simon and Mr. Fraser are standing before a display of shoes.

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Governor General Simon and Mr. Fraser are sitting with a large crowd of people on chairs outside. Many are wearing orange shirts and there are orange flags in the background.

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Governor General Simon is embracing a man dressed in an orange shirt. They are part of a large crowd of people at an outdoor event.

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Governor General Simon and Mr. Fraser are clapping with a group of people who are standing outside.