National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools (Orange Shirt Day)

September marks the National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools — a solemn occasion to honor the children who were taken, the families who were torn apart, and the communities that have carried the weight of this history ever since.

The Indian boarding school system caused generational trauma that continues to affect the physical and mental health of Native communities today. Acknowledging this history is not only an act of remembrance — it is an act of healing. Urban Indian Health Programs provide mental health and wellness services rooted in cultural understanding, offering space for communities to grieve, process, and heal together.

We remember the children who were taken — and we honor every community that has carried this pain across generations. Healing is not linear, but it is ours to reclaim together. If you or someone in our community needs support, our program is here for you.- National Council of Urban Indian Health