Orange Shirt Day 2025: Join First Light in Honouring Survivors and Committing to Change

The City of St. John’s is proud to support First Light St. John’s Friendship Centre in observing Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, 2025. As we approach this important day, residents are invited to participate in a range of impactful activities organized by First Light to honour Survivors of residential schools, remember the children who never came home, and support the continued journey of reconciliation.

Purchase an Orange Shirt

Avalon Mall
September 22–26, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Orange Shirts will be available for purchase at First Light’s pop-up storefront at the Avalon Mall. A new limited-edition design will be released alongside shirts from previous years. Please note: shirts will be sold in person only on a first-come-first-served basis, with no online sales option.

Proceeds will support the development of First Light’s Residential Schools Survivors’ Memorial Garden.

The storefront will also feature:

• Indigenous arts and crafts for sale by local artists
• A community justice information table
• On-site support for voter registration ahead of municipal and provincial elections
  
  

Indigenous Cultural Diversity Training (Virtual Session)

September 30, 10 to 11 a.m.

Join First Light online for a virtual session that explores the history of Indigenous Peoples in Newfoundland and Labrador. This session is open to all, but registration is required. Visit First Light’s Education page to sign up.

Rally for Reconciliation

Confederation Building, 100 Prince Philip Drive
September 30, 2 to 3 p.m.

On Orange Shirt Day, the community is invited to gather at the Confederation Building in solidarity with Survivors and their families. This event is an opportunity to honour the children lost and reflect on our collective responsibility for reconciliation.

All are welcome. Please wear orange, bring drums, and join in song. Let us come together as a community to honour the past and commit to a brighter future.

For more details about these events, visit firstlightnl.ca or follow First Light on social media.

City of St. John’s Protocols and Closures

A flag raising will take place the evening of September 29, and City Hall will be illuminated orange on September 30, in recognition of National Truth and Reconciliation Day.

Most City offices and facilities will be closed on Tuesday, September 30, to honour survivors, their families and Indigenous communities, and to raise awareness about the legacy of residential schools in Canada.