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Every Child Matters: Resources and Reflections for Families

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We recognize that learning about residential schools and their history can be difficult and emotional. We encourage families to approach these conversations in ways that feel appropriate and comfortable for their children, at their own pace. Please feel free to pause, adapt, or choose activities based on your child’s needs. If your child or family needs additional support, please connect with your child’s care team or another trusted support person.

If you need support, please contact

  • Distress Centre Calgary at 403-266-4357 (HELP) or text 403-266-4357 for free, confidential support available 24/7.
  • Indigenous Peoples can access the Hope for Wellness Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 or connect online at hopeforwellness.ca.
  • If you are a Residential School Survivor and need emotional support, a national crisis line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week: Residential School Survivor Support Line: 1-866-925-4419.
  • Emotional, cultural and professional support services are also available to Survivors and their families through the Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program. Services can be accessed on an individual, family, or group basis.

September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day to honour First Nations, Inuit, and Métis survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. It is an opportunity to learn, reflect, and engage in meaningful conversations about Canada’s history and our shared responsibility toward reconciliation. To support families in these conversations, we’ve gathered a selection of books, videos, activities, community events, and additional resources that can be explored together in ways that are meaningful for your child and family.

Orange Shirt Day began with the story of Phyllis Webstad, whose orange shirt was taken away from her on her first day at residential school. Wearing orange honours the experiences of residential school survivors and reminds us that Every Child Matters.

Did you know…

  • More than 150,000 First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children attended residential schools in Canada.
  • Many children were separated from their families, communities, languages, and cultures while attending these schools.
  • The residential school system operated in Canada for over 100 years.
  • Alberta had more residential schools than any other province.
  • The last residential school in Canada closed in 1996.
  • Orange Shirt Day was inspired by the experiences of Phyllis Webstad and her orange shirt.
  • The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation became a federal holiday in Canada in 2021.
  • Indigenous Peoples have lived on and cared for the lands we now call Canada for thousands of years.
  • Learning Indigenous histories, cultures, languages, and perspectives helps us build stronger and more inclusive communities.

Sources: National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR), Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC), Government of Canada.

 

Activities for Families

  • Attend a local Truth and Reconciliation event.
  • Read a book by an Indigenous author together.
  • Learn a few words from a local Indigenous language.
  • Talk about ways to show kindness, inclusion, and respect.
  • Create artwork using orange to recognize Every Child Matters.
  • Visit your local library’s Indigenous collection.
  • Learn about the Indigenous Nations whose traditional territories you live on.

Events

Events on September 30th:

Family-Friendly Resources:

  • Every Child Matters by Phyllis Webstad
  • Orange Shirt Day by Phyllis Webstad
  • Truth and Reconciliation for Little Ones by Otter B. Friendly
  • When We Are Kind by Monique Gray Smith
  • My Heart Fills With Happiness by Monique Gray Smith
  • You Hold Me Up by Monique Gray Smith
  • Love Is in the Little Things by Wab Kinew
  • A Day with Yayah by Nicola I. Campbell
  • The Sharing Circle by Theresa “Corky” Larsen-Jonasson
  • We All Play by Julie Flett
  • Birdsong by Julie Flett

Videos for Children and Families

  • Phyllis Webstad’s Story
  • CBC Kids: What is Reconciliation?
  • CBC Kids: What is Orange Shirt Day?
  • National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation educational videos
  • Indigenous Voices and Reconciliation (National Film Board of Canada)

Additional Resources for Parents and Caregivers:

 

Recent Posts

Every Child Matters: Resources and Reflections for Families

September 28, 2026

In recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Pacekids will be closed on September 30. This day provides an opportunity to honour First Nations, Inuit, and Métis survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities, while encouraging learning, reflection, and meaningful conversations about reconciliation. Families are invited to explore age-appropriate resources, books, videos, and community events together, and to wear orange in support of Orange Shirt Day and the message that Every Child Matters. We recognize that this topic can be emotional and encourage families to engage with the content at a pace that feels right for their child and family.

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