On September 30, people across Canada pause to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation also known as Orange Shirt Day. This is a time to reflect, learn, and honour the Survivors and intergenerational Survivors of residential schools, as well as to remember the children who never made it home.
The day encourages all of us to deepen our understanding of the history and ongoing impacts of colonialism, while committing to meaningful action toward reconciliation.
Orange Shirt Day: A Movement That Grew Nationwide
Orange Shirt Day began in 2013, inspired by Survivor Phyllis Webstad’s story of having her new orange shirt taken on her first day at St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School. What started as a grassroots initiative has become a national call for awareness, dialogue, and action.
In 2021, Canada passed Bill C-5, creating a federal statutory holiday in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #80. This year marks the 12th anniversary of Orange Shirt Day.
B.C.’s Commitment and What Employers Need to Know
On March 9, 2023, British Columbia established National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a provincial statutory holiday.
For employers, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is treated like other statutory holidays under the Employment Standards Act:
- Eligibility: Employees who qualify for statutory holiday pay (i.e., those who have been employed for at least 30 days and have worked 15 of the previous 30 days) are entitled to the day off with pay.
- Statutory Holiday Pay Rules: If a qualifying employee works on September 30, they must be paid time-and-a-half for the first 12 hours and double time after 12 hours, plus an average day’s pay.
- Unionized Workplaces: Collective agreements may set out different provisions, but they must meet or exceed minimum Employment Standards requirements.
Employers should review their policies and payroll practices to ensure compliance, and more importantly, consider how they can encourage their teams to engage with the meaning of the day beyond the statutory requirement.
Ways to Honour the Day
Reconciliation is not a one-day event, but September 30 provides a focal point for learning, reflection, and action.
Here are some ways you can participate:
- Wear an orange shirt to show that Every Child Matters
- Attend local events hosted by Indigenous communities and organizations
- Engage in learning – read, watch, or listen to Indigenous-created content
- Support Indigenous-owned businesses in your community
- Have conversations with family, friends, and colleagues about reconciliation
- Reflect personally on the legacy of residential schools and your role in reconciliation
Our Commitment at Pivot HR Services
At Pivot HR Services, we care deeply about this day and the ongoing process of reconciliation. We are honoured to partner with and support many First Nations communities and organizations through our work. These relationships continue to teach us, shape us, and remind us of the responsibility we share in building more equitable workplaces.
We believe reconciliation must be embedded not only in words, but in action – through education, inclusive practices, and respectful partnerships.
Learning Resources
If you’d like to deepen your learning or get involved, here are some trusted resources:
- National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
- Orange Shirt Society
- UBC Residential School History and Dialogue Centre
- Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action (PDF)
September 30 is more than a statutory holiday – it’s a call to learn, reflect, and take meaningful steps toward reconciliation. At Pivot HR Services, we remain committed to standing alongside Indigenous communities in the spirit of truth and reconciliation.
If your organization has questions about the statutory holiday compliance, payroll policies, or is seeking ways to embed reconciliation and inclusivity into your workplace practices. Contact us to review your statutory holiday policies or get tailored HR consulting support.