National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2026

** Sensitive Content Warning

This message addresses sensitive topics that may be distressing. Some employees may prefer to avoid reading this content to protect their well-being. A National Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support for residential school Survivors and their families. You can access information on the website or access services by calling the 24-Hour National Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419. Additionally, all employees can access the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP): 1-800-268-7708, or 1-800-567-5803 for those with a hearing impairment.

Dear colleagues,

September 30, 2026, marks the fifth anniversary of the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day to reflect on aspects of Canada's history and their continuing impacts on First Nations, Inuit and Métis. With others across the country, we recognize the strength and resilience of Indigenous nations and communities, honour residential school Survivors, their families and intergenerational Survivors, and remember the children who never returned home.

The Residential School System, which was operated by Canada’s federal government until 1996, forcibly separated more than 150,000 Indigenous children from their families, communities, languages, and cultures. The resulting harm continues to be felt across the country. By learning the Truth about this history and acknowledging its ongoing impacts, we can advance reconciliation through our ongoing efforts to build respectful relationships and take meaningful action in our work with Indigenous partners.

At Parks Canada, we are committed to working alongside Indigenous communities and organizations who are leading efforts to honour and remember this history, as well as supporting the ongoing work and the renewal of long-standing Indigenous roles and responsibilities in the places we help administer.

This commitment to Indigenous stewardship requires lifelong learning. Through the Indigenous Cultural Learning Program, team members are invited to deepen their understanding and explore how they can contribute to Indigenous stewardship in ways that are meaningful to their roles.

Leading up to September 30, we encourage you to wear an orange shirt, or the orange shirt pin, or download the virtual meeting background as a visible expression of your commitment to Truth and Reconciliation. Learn more about the residential schools that impacted communities where you live, explore the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation resources available on ParksNet, and participate in local and national activities that help deepen your understanding of Indigenous histories, cultures, and lived experiences.

We recognize that the immense loss and ongoing trauma caused by the Residential School System can be distressing for Parks Canada team members. If this day brings up difficult emotions or memories, please know that support is available. Please talk with a trusted friend or colleague, a professional, or reach out to one of the support resources available below:

As we reflect on this day, we want to acknowledge First Nations, Inuit and Métis colleagues whose voices and experiences guide our path. Thank you for your leadership and the perspectives you share with colleagues across Parks Canada.

Sincerely,

Patrick Boucher

Champion of the Indigenous Employee Community Network

Andrew Campbell

Interim President & Chief Executive Officer

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