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National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day, is happening this weekend, on September 30. This day is about honouring the survivors of the residential school system, their families and communities.
In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission announced that they had 94 Calls to Action. Call to Action 80 was a federal statutory day of commemoration, and as a result the National day for Truth and Reconciliation was born.
If you are unable to attend any of the events below, search for other ways that you can support Indigenous communities. Purchase an orange shirt from a company that donates the profits to Indigenous communities. All London Drugs locations carry the official shirt of Orange Shirt Day and 100% of the profits are donated to the Orange Shirt Society. Register for a free online class at the University of Alberta or the University of British Columbia. Watch a documentary about residential schools, read books about Indigenous history or listen to a podcast. Donate to assistance programs, or support local Indigenous businesses and volunteer at Indigenous non-profits.
If you are able to attend an event in your city, here is a list of some of the Truth and Reconciliation events that are happening across Canada.
Victoria, BC
Come together to listen, learn and share on at the UVic quad. Get more info on the pre-Orange Shirt Day commemorative gathering, which happens Friday, September 29.
The annual South Island Powwow is an opportunity to recognize Survivors and their families in the spirit of reconciliation. Through song and dance, traditional Indigenous cultures and resiliency will be celebrated. The event happens Saturday, September 30.
Vancouver and area, BC
There will be drumming, teachings and story sharing, Bannock and warm beverage at Skookum Surrey on Friday, September 29. More details here.
Members of the University of British Columbia community, families, and those in solidarity are welcome to participate in an Intergenerational March. The march, on Saturday, September 30, aims to be educational and supportive to the Indigenous community on campus and beyond.
Activities and talks in the Arts Umbrella Day of Learning Workshops and Presentations will be age-appropriate and led by Indigenous artists and knowledge keepers. The events are scheduled for Saturday, September 30. More info here.
Join Nisga’a Ts’amiks Vancouver Society for Orange T-Shirt Day to honour the lost children and survivors of residential schools on Saturday, September 30.
In Maple Ridge, the family-friendly Memorial Peace Park Event includes Indigenous performers, Orange Shirt painting, drum circles, a variety of vendors and a community art project. The event happens on Saturday, September 30. A rundown of the activities here.
In New Westminster, witness dancing by Wild Moccasin Dancers and drumming by Host Drum StarChild at this family-friendly event. Indigenous vendors and food trucks will be available. Get more info on Voices of Our Children. The event happens on Saturday, September 30.
In Coquitlam, join First Nations artist and facilitator Christine Mackenzie for a free, public community event on National Truth and Reconciliation Day, Saturday, September 30. More info here.
Edmonton, AB
Several organizations will be hosting National Day for Truth and Reconciliation events in and around Edmonton in the days leading up to and including Saturday, September 30. Get the timeline of and more information on activities and events, including the Indigenous Peoples Experience at Fort Edmonton Park, here.
Calgary, AB
Join the community to commemorate Indian residential schools victims, honour survivors and their families and commit to acting on reconciliation at the Remembering the Children event on Saturday, September 30.
The Four Winds Indigenous Showcase and Market will celebrate Indigenous art and culture and feature the creations of Indigenous artists and artisans from Treaty 7 and beyond. The market opens on Saturday, September 30.
Indigenous Elders Story Project will demonstrate the strength and power of their traditional practices as they share their personal experiences living in residential schools, an essential part of their journey toward healing. More info here on the free-ticketed event on Saturday, September 30.
Learn about Indigenous history, culture and traditions through film at Arts Commons’ film screening in partnership with the National Film Board on Saturday, September 30. Screenings happen at the Engineered Air Theatre.
Regina, SK
Join the RCMP Heritage Centre on Saturday, September 30, in honouring the children who never returned home from residential schools, as well as honouring the survivors and their families and communities. More information here on the range of free activities for the whole family.
Saskatoon, SK
The Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation is an acknowledgment of the multi-generational impacts of residential schools. It’s one way to demonstrate a commitment to Reconciliation and to equal opportunities for every member of our community. The walk happens Saturday, September 30.
Winnipeg, MB
Free admission to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights on Saturday, September 30, is one of a host of events, exhibits and talks in and near Winnipeg to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. On Friday, Sept. 29, the CFL’s Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Toronto Argonauts will wear orange jerseys during the pre-game warmup. The jerseys will be auctioned online after the game. The funds will be donated to Winnipeg Aboriginal Sport Achievement (WASAC). Here is a list of other events to mark the day.
Midland, ON
In Midland, a day of reflection will be hosted at the historic Sainte-Marie, on September 30 from 10:00am to 5:00pm. There will be an opening ceremony, film screenings, personal reflection activities, Bannock, tea and so much more.
Guelph, ON
Orange Shirt Day Sacred Fire will take place at the Royal City Park on September 30 from 10:30am to 1:00pm. All community members are invited to attend and offer prayers to the Sacred Fire.
At the Guelph Civic Museum, a film screening of The Nature of Healing will play on Saturday, September 30, from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. In this film, the seven surviviors of Mohawk Institute, Canada’s first and longest running residential school, will speak their truth with a story of resilience and a path to healing. Registration is required.
On Friday, September 29, the Guelph Public Library will be hosting a reading of Indigenous stories, starting at 10:30am.
Richmond, ON
The Central Library in Richmond will be hosting their Truth and Reconciliation event on Saturday, September 30 from 2:00pm until 6:00pm. Here you can learn from guest speakers, enjoy drumming, sacred fire and medicine teachings. Reserve your spot here.
Brockville, ON
The Brockville Public Library will be hosting their Truth and Reconciliation event on Saturday, September 30 from 10:00am to 4:00pm to reflect on the 94 calls to action and the findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. At the event, they will have a fire keeper, drumming, medicine wheel teaching, traditional foods and more.
Aurora, ON
The Aurora Public Library will be hosting a film screening of the Inconvinent Indian happening all day Saturday, September 30. The film discussion is taking place on Tuesday, October 3 at 7:00pm. You can register for the event here.
Ottawa, ON
Remembering The Children: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2023 will be a 90-minute commemorative gathering that will be broadcasted from Parliament Hill at 12:30pm EST on September 30.
On Saturday, September 30, the Ottawa Public Library will be hosting a fil festival at all seven of their locations, and online via Zoom. There are seven films ranging from 3 minutes to more than 2 hours. Each film will be played in English with French subtitles. Find more information about each film and its respected time here.
In Ottawa’s University Square, a ceremony followed by a community feast will be held from 9:30am to 12:30pm on Friday, September 29. You can find more information about the event here.
Brampton, ON
Brampton is hosting a Truth and Reconciliation event at the Medicine Wheel Garden in Heart Lake Conservation Park on September 30 from 1:00pm to 5:00pm. You can register for the event here.
Brantford, ON
Brantford will be hosting their Truth and Reconciliation Event on September 30 at Mohawk Park from 1:00pm to 6:00pm. This free event is being led by Brantford Native Housing and will feature drumming, singing and dancing, with food options available. Find more information here.
Toronto, ON
Aaniin Retail Inc.’s Truth and Reconciliation Event: Celebrating Indigenous Excellence, will be held at the Stackt Market in Toronto, on September 30 from 12:00pm until 9:00pm. Tickets are $45 and include an orange shirt or you can purchase an orange shirt online and receive your entry ticket free of charge. At the event, you’ll find plenty of activities including an Indigenous marketplace, performances and a fashion showcase. For more information and to buy your ticket click here.
The Toronto Public Library will be doing a film screening of The Road Forward on September 30 from 1:00pm to 2:30pm. This film is a musical documentary that explains the history of civil rights within the Indigenous communities and how their protest and activism has impacted their path moving forward.
Montréal, QC
Innu poet Maya Cousineau Mollen drew inspiration from a work in the permanent collection of the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts to craft a literary text then set to music by Anishinaabe composer Barbara Assiginaak. The event on Saturday, September 30, is free, as is admission to the museum that day.
Québec, QC
On Saturday, September 30, The Plains of Abraham will host the Musée ambulant’s Échos / de awehskwahk event. Visitors of all ages are welcome to participate in this event, which is an opportunity to meet and share around the art.
Halifax, NS
On Friday, September 29, the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 will mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with a special film screening. More info here.
On Saturday, September 30, a free Orange Shirt Day family event will honour the Indigenous community, featuring traditional music, crafts, vendors, and a kids craft corner.
Fredericton, NB
On Saturday, September 30, the flags of the Wabanaki Confederacy and Wolastoqey Nation will raise followed by a ceremony. The event takes place on the University of New Brunswick campus. More info here. The event will be livestreamed.
Saint John, NB
After the above ceremony, there will be a healing walk with the City of Saint John in Rockwood Park. More info is available here.
Moncton, NB
On Saturday, September 30, the City of Moncton will hold a commemorative ceremony to remember the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools on First Nations communities in Canada.
Charlottetown, PEI
The Native Council of PEI has partnered with UPEI and the IKERAS faculty to provide a Mass Blanket Exercise. Join us on Saturday, September 30. The event is open to the public.
St. John’s, NL
Confederation Building will be lit in orange on the evening of Saturday, September 30, to commemorate all those affected by residential schools. Flags at all provincial buildings will be flown at half-mast in memory of the children who never returned home. The Survivor’s Flag for the Day for Truth and Reconciliation will be flown on the courtesy pole at Confederation Building. Read the provincial statement here.
In addition to events happening all over the country, many buildings across Canada will be illuminated in orange from September 30 until October 1 to honor those who were impacted by the residential school system. Please take the opportunity to learn, listen and remember those impacted by the residential school system as we continue to work towards reconciliation.
