(Huntsville, ON) The Huntsville Public Library, Town of Huntsville, and Hope Arises Project Inc. invite the community to join in Huntsville’s 5th Annual Orange Shirt Day activities on September 30, 2025. September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day in Canada. This national day commemorates the tragic history and healing journey of residential school survivors, their families, and the children who never returned home.  

March and Gathering
Each year, Huntsville honours September 30 with a march through the downtown, adorned with banners produced by Hope Arises and representing the Gifts of the Seven Grandfathers teachings. The walk also passes many downtown businesses with orange ribbons in their storefront window to show their respect.  

This year’s 5th annual march begins at 10:45 AM in River Mill Park and will once again proceed through downtown Huntsville before returning to River Mill Park. The closing ceremony will commence at 11:45 AM and include special guest speaker remarks. 

The event will proceed rain or shine. This is a family-friendly event, and all are welcome.  There will be photography and videography at the event. 

Wear Orange
The National Day of Truth and Reconciliation is observed on Orange Shirt Day. The community is encouraged to wear orange on September 30 to honour the survivors, their families, and the lost children of residential schools. 

Flag Raising  
The Survivors' Flag will be raised in Huntsville on Monday, September 22 at noon in Civic Square and will remain raised until September 30 to mark Truth and Reconciliation Week. This commemorative flag was created by survivors to honour survivors, families, and communities impacted by the residential school system in Canada, and to share their expression of remembrance across the nation.  

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
The week leading up to September 30 is Truth and Reconciliation Week, set by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR). Part of the NCTR’s mandate is “to preserve and make accessible the memory and legacy of the residential school system and the experiences of survivors and their families for future generations.”  

For more information on Truth and Reconciliation Week 2025, please visit: nctr.ca 

For more information on Orange Shirt Day, please visit: orangeshirtday.org 

For more information on Hope Arises, please visit: hopearises.ca 

For more information, contact:
Saleem Hall
Community Engagement Coordinator
Huntsville Public Library
(705) 789-5232 ext 3408
saleem.hall@huntsvillelibrary.ca