This week marks two important days that reflect on the legacy and impact of colonialism.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was established as a response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Call to Action No. 80. It called for a public day of commemoration to honour residential school Survivors. Read all 94 Calls to Action.

The day is held on Sept. 30 to coincide with Orange Shirt Day, a grassroots, Indigenous-led movement that builds awareness of the intergenerational impacts of residential schools. Orange Shirt Day honours residential school Survivors and the children who never returned home. It offers opportunities to reflect on ongoing harms done to Indigenous communities by colonial systems, to recognize the strength of Indigenous peoples and to commit to the idea that “Every Child Matters.”

The International Day of Non-Violence, held on Oct. 2, commemorates the birth of Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of the Indian independence movement. Gandhi led a successful campaign of non-violent resistance to end British colonial rule in India.

Established by the United Nations in 2007, the day is an occasion to “disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness.” You can attend a special commemorative event hosted online by the United Nations.