September 30 is the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, which also coincides with Orange Shirt Day. This day is a time to honour the survivors of Canada’s Indian Residential School System, remember the children who never returned home, and reflect on the lasting impacts of this system on Indigenous communities across the country.
Orange Shirt Day began with the story of Phyllis Webstad, a residential school survivor from the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation. On her first day at a residential school, the new orange shirt her grandmother gave her was taken away and never returned. That shirt has since become a powerful symbol of the experiences of Indigenous children and families whose lives were forever changed by the residential school system.
Wearing orange on September 30 is a way for people across Canada to honour those who survived, remember those who did not, and commit to learning the truth.
It is also a call to action for all of us.
In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) released 94 Calls to Action to address the harms of colonialism and to create a path toward healing and systemic change.
- 42 Calls to Action focus on Truth: These address the direct impacts of colonial violence, including child welfare, education, language and culture, health, and justice. So far, only 3 of these have been fully completed.
- 52 Calls to Action focus on Reconciliation: 11 have been completed to date.
These numbers show that there is still a lot of work to be done. The Calls to Action focused on Truth are the foundation, and without them, meaningful reconciliation cannot take place.
“Truth and Reconciliation is about more than acknowledging the past — it’s about feeling its weight, honouring those who have carried it for generations, and choosing to do better together. It calls us to listen with open hearts, to speak out against injustice, and to take real steps toward healing and change. This is not easy work, but it is necessary. When we lead with empathy and act with courage, we begin to create a future where Indigenous voices are not just heard — they are valued, respected, and central to the path forward.”
– Lindsey Russell, Chair of CMHA’s Indigenous Affinity Group
A Commitment to Co-Creating Mental Health Services with Indigenous Communities
CMHA branches are committed to fostering reciprocity and sustaining meaningful relationships with Indigenous leaders and organizations to strengthen mental health supports. Together, we are committed to:
- Supporting Indigenous-led mental health initiatives that honour traditional healing practices and ways of being.
- Building meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities to co-create mental health programs.
- Ensuring cultural awareness training for staff so services respect and respond to the unique needs of Indigenous peoples.
- Promoting self-determination by valuing Indigenous approaches to mental health and well-being.
We know that reconciliation is ongoing work, and we are committed to continuing to learn, listen, and grow alongside our Indigenous partners and communities.
Local Resources and Partnerships
At CMHA, we recognize that reconciliation is an ongoing journey. Part of this work is creating culturally safer spaces for Indigenous community members. Through the new Culturally Safe Pathway in our Ontario Structured Psychotherapy (OSP) Program, we are offering First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples more flexible and adapted access to psychotherapy.
We are also marking this day by hosting a film screening on September 30 of Walking Through the Fire by Sultans of String. The event offers a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the histories and experiences of Indigenous peoples, while also celebrating resilience, strength, and culture. The film will be followed by a 30-minute Q&A with film creator Chris McKhool, joined by Indigenous artists Shannon Thunderbird, and Marc Meriläinen.
This complimentary event is open to all. We invite you to join us and be part of this important conversation. Register here.
Taking Small Steps to Create Lasting Change
While the work ahead may feel overwhelming, change often begins with small, intentional steps. It can start with one person, one conversation, or one act of learning.
This Truth and Reconciliation Day, the Indigenous Affinity Group is encouraging all CMHA employees and community members to take part in meaningful recognition in one (or more) of the following ways:
- Register for Indigenous-led learning opportunities
- Join a local initiative in your community
- Create safer spaces for Indigenous voices in your workplace
Learn More and Take Action
We invite you to take time to review the resources below. By learning about the 94 Calls to Action, you can reflect on ways to bring reconciliation into your daily life and professional practice.
Together, let’s continue this important work!
