George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
Honouring Survivors. Remembering the Children. Advancing Reconciliation.
Monday, September 28, 2026
11 a.m.–1 p.m.
St. James Campus patio, 200 King St. E.
Please join us as we gather in advance of September 30 Orange Shirt Day/National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and honour residential school Survivors, their families and communities, and the children who never returned home.
The gathering will include opening and closing prayers led by Kokum Alita, an Honour Song, words of remembrance, and reflection activities. Together, we will recognize the ongoing impacts of the residential school system and our shared responsibility to advance truth, reconciliation, respect, and meaningful action.
Attendees are invited to wear orange in recognition of Every Child Matters.
Why is the gathering held before Orange Shirt Day?
The gathering at George Brown is held before Orange Shirt Day so that members of Indigenous communities and others observing the day can spend September 30 with their loved ones and community members in reflection and ceremony.
Order of Gathering
11 a.m.–11:10 a.m. — Arrival and Gathering
Everyone is welcomed into the space and invited to gather quietly.
11:10–11:20 a.m. — Welcome and Opening Remarks
Welcome, introductions, and an overview of the purpose of the Orange Shirt Day gathering.
11:20–11:30 a.m. — Opening Prayer
Led by Kokum Alita
11:30–11:40 a.m. — Honour Song
An Honour Song to recognize Survivors, their families, and the children who never returned home.
11:40 a.m.–12 p.m. — Words of Remembrance
Reflections on the history and ongoing legacy of residential schools, the meaning of Orange Shirt Day, and our shared responsibility to honour Survivors and remember the children.
12–12:30 p.m. — Guided Reflection and Learning Stations
Everyone will be invited to move between reflection and learning stations at their own pace. Each table will offer a different activity or prompt to honour residential school Survivors, their families and communities, and the children who never returned home. Participants will also be encouraged to consider their personal and collective responsibilities toward truth, reconciliation, respect, and meaningful action.
12:30–12:35 p.m. — Closing Remarks
Final words of gratitude and acknowledgement
12:35–12:45 p.m. — Closing Prayer
Led by Kokum Alita
Resources
George Brown Polytechnic
Indigenous Knowledge Keepers Series - September 16, 2026
Register now for the Indigenous Knowledge Keepers (IKKS) Series event on September 16, 2026, at noon, Preparing for Orange Shirt Day.
Join this one-hour virtual session focused on learning, reflection and meaningful action in advance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day.