Since 2021, September 30 has been the National Truth and Reconciliation Day in Canada, honouring Indigenous children who never returned from residential schools and supporting their families and communities. This week, we surveyed Canadians to understand their attitudes and actions they will be taking on this day.
Highlights include…
Government Action on Reconciliation
- Among the range of policy areas tested, reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples ranks comparatively low as a priority for Canadians. Fewer than half (44%) believe governments should be doing more on reconciliation, well below the levels seen for issues such as health care (88%) or cost of living (86%). Support for stronger action is higher among younger respondents (60%) and Ontarians (49%).
Awareness of Indigenous History
- Public awareness continues to rise. Nearly two-thirds of Canadians (64%) say they are more aware today of the history and treatment of Indigenous Peoples than they were four or five years ago, with more than one in four (27%) describing themselves as much more aware, an 11 points increase since the last measure. Young adults aged 18–34 are the most likely to report growing awareness (72%), while levels are somewhat lower among older Canadians.
Attitudes Toward Reconciliation
- A majority of Canadians (69%) now agree that they better understand why reconciliation is important for both Indigenous Peoples and the country as a whole. At the same time, more than half (54%) believe too much attention is being directed toward reconciliation compared with other challenges, and nearly half (46%) express frustration at the slow pace of progress.
Actions on Truth and Reconciliation Day
- Just over half of Canadians (53%) intend to take some form of action around September 30. The most common gestures include wearing orange (23%), listening to Indigenous voices (17%), and having conversations with family and friends (15%).
- Overall, one in four Canadians (25%) consider themselves personally involved in Truth and Reconciliation Day, while more than two-thirds (69%) say they are not involved. Younger Canadians are more engaged: 42% of those aged 18–34 plan to be involved in some way, compared to only 12% among those 55 and older.
Perceived Importance of the Day
- Views remain divided on the personal significance of Truth and Reconciliation Day. One in five Canadians (19%) say it is a very important day to them personally, while 43% think it is good that the day exists but admit it does not hold strong personal importance. For nearly one-third of Canadians (32%), September 30 is viewed as just another day.
Methodology
This online survey was conducted among 1,528 Canadian residents aged 18 or older, from September 26 to 29, 2025. Respondents were randomly recruited through LEO’s online panel. A margin of error cannot be associated with a non-probability sample in a panel survey. For comparison, a probability sample of this size would have a margin of error of ±2.51%, 19 times out of 20.
