September 26, 2025
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Treaty Day & Mi’kmaq History Month 2025
Hi everyone,
September 30 is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a time to honour residential school survivors, their families, and the children who never returned home. This statutory holiday is an opportunity to reflect on the history and lasting impacts of residential schools and to reaffirm our commitment to reconciliation. It also marks Orange Shirt Day, promoting the message that Every Child Matters. The orange shirt is a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations.
Health PEI staff are encouraged to wear orange shirts on September 29 & 30 to show support.
Health PEI remains committed to advancing culturally safe and equitable health care for Indigenous communities in alignment with the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. We prioritize initiatives that lead to meaningful change, shaped through ongoing dialogue and partnership with Indigenous communities.
In partnership with the Indigenous Relations Secretariat and community partners, several events and learning opportunities are planned.
- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Lowering of the Provincial Flag
On Tuesday, September 30 at 11:30 a.m., Premier Lantz will lower the provincial flag in front of Shaw Building to half-mast in honor of residential school survivors, their families and communities. The ceremony will begin with an Opening Prayer from a Mi’kmaw Elder followed by remarks and speeches. Everyone is encouraged to wear their orange shirt on September 29 to recognize Orange Shirt Day. - Treaty Day – Flag Raising Ceremony
On Wednesday, October 1 at 10:00 a.m. in the Public Administration Building (PAB) courtyard near the flagpole, a ceremony will begin with an Opening Prayer from a Mi’kmaw Elder followed by remarks and speeches. There will also be a gift exchange between Premier Lantz and Mi’kmaw leadership, followed by a flag raising and drumming. - Mi’kmaq History Month – Educational Speaker Series
Throughout October, every Wednesday from 12-12:30 p.m., the Indigenous Relations Secretariat will host a virtual lunch & learn session open to all public service employees. The sessions aim to educate participants about Mi’kmaq history and culture, featuring Mi’kmaq speakers sharing their stories and teachings. - Smudging Protocols: Respecting Indigenous Traditions – Lunch & Learn
Two sessions will be offered in October (28 & 30) at the Carriage House in Charlottetown over the lunch hour from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. This session will provide public service employees with an understanding of the purpose of smudging, when and how it is used, and the importance of approaching the practice with cultural sensitivity and respect.- Tuesday, October 21 from 1-4 p.m. at the Carriage House, Charlottetown
- Wednesday, October 22 from 1-4 p.m. at the Carriage House, Charlottetown
- Thursday, October 23 from 9-12:00 p.m. at the College of Piping, Summerside
To register, visit the PSC Pathways to Learning – Course Selection portal.
Health PEI staff are encouraged to participate in these events and learning opportunities as part of our collective journey toward reconciliation.
Let us all take this time to reflect, learn, and honour the truths of our shared history. Thank you for your continued commitment to respectful and inclusive care.
Sincerely,
Mel