Every Child Matters: A Journey to Belonging
“Enso Binoojiinh Piitendaagzi”
Every Child Matters in Ojibway
September 30 marks both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day – observances that honour survivors of residential schools, remember the children who never returned home, and recognize the lasting impacts of the residential school system on Indigenous families and communities.
Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led movement rooted in the message Every Child Matters. It grew from the experience of Phyllis Webstad who, in 1973, was six years old when she arrived at St. Joseph Mission Residential school wearing a new orange shirt her grandmother had bought for her. The shirt was taken from her and never returned. Forty years later, in 2013, Phyllis shared her story as part of a residential school commemoration project in Williams Lake, B.C. That year, the first Orange Shirt Day was held on September 30.
In 2021, September 30 also became the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, created in response to Call to Action 80 of The Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
In recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, TTC employees are invited to wear orange shirts on September 30, and an Every Child Matters bus will be in service for the month of September. Public transit connects people to work, school, family, essential services and each other. Indigenous Peoples often experience barriers and exclusion within public systems. When we work to remove those barriers and create spaces where Indigenous riders feel safe, welcomed and respected, we create a better transit experience for everyone. Accessibility, safety, respect, cultural awareness, and inclusion are not limited resources. Improvements made for one community strengthen the system for all.
Why we wear orange
Wearing orange on September 30 is one visible way to honour survivors and remember the children who never returned home. The message Every Child Matters is a reminder that every child deserves to be valued, protected and connected to their family, culture and community.
But wearing orange is only one part of the day. Truth and reconciliation also ask us to listen, learn and understand how the policies and systems of the past continue to affect Indigenous Peoples today.
Actions we’re taking
- TTC continues to engage Indigenous partners and organizations to help inform programs, services, policies, and initiatives.
- Support efforts to strengthen understanding of Indigenous histories, cultures, and perspectives through employee education, awareness initiatives, and learning opportunities.
- We’re committed to fostering respectful relationships with Indigenous communities and advancing inclusion across the organization.
Learning opportunities
- Employees are encouraged to learn about the significance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, including the history and ongoing legacy of residential schools. You can access a list of resources on the City of Toronto site.
- Educational resources and learning opportunities are available to support continued awareness and understanding of Indigenous peoples, histories, and cultures.
Support for Indigenous employees
- Indigenous employees can access confidential support through the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP).
- Employees may also connect with TTC's Indigenous Liaison and the United Indigenous Council for information, resources, and community connections.
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Reconciliation events
Throughout September, the TTC will take part in several initiatives that reflect its ongoing commitment to reconciliation, relationship building, and inclusion.
Indigenous Legacy Gathering
Date: September 28-30, 2026
Location: Nathan Phillips Square
The Indigenous Legacy Gathering honours the rich diversity of Indigenous cultures. This event features Indigenous vendors, community booths, educational workshops, and traditional performances. TTC representatives will be present at a TTC booth and the Every Child Matters wrapped bus.
Indigenous Transit Safety Fair
Date September 23, 2026
Location: Wandering Spirit School and the Native Learning Centre
The TTC’s Access Equity and Inclusion Department and the ATU113 United Indigenous Council will be partnering with the Community Engagement Unit to deliver culturally safe transit safety presentations to the Indigenous students at Wandering Spirit and the Native Learning Centre. Students will also be invited to share about their experiences on the TTC to help build bridges of communication and understanding.
TDSB Southeast Powwow
Date: September 24, 2026
Location: Eastview Public School
The TDSB Southeast Powwow is an annual celebration of Indigenous culture and a learning opportunity for TDSB students. The TTC’S Every Child Matters wrapped bus will be present as a cooling bus.
The 519 Orange Shirt Day Family Event
Date: September 29, 2026
Location: The 519 Church Street Community Centre
The 519 will host a family event honouring Orange Shirt Day, featuring a Sacred Fire, guest speakers, education circle and community social. The TTC’s Every Child Matters wrapped bus will also be present from 4 p.m.to 6 p.m.
Shaping the future
Reconciliation is about understanding the past, acknowledging its continuing impacts and making different choices for the future.
Children and youth are tomorrow's riders, employees, leaders, parents, and city builders. The transit experiences they have today can shape their sense of safety, confidence, independence, and connection to their communities.
Every Child Matters is both a reminder and a responsibility. As the TTC continues its reconciliation journey, the goal is not only to reflect on where we have been, but to help create a transit system where future generations feel safe, respected, and that they belong.