National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - September 30
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The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is marked as a Canadian statutory holiday. This means many of you will have the chance to take the day to reflect on truth and reconciliation and on the genocidal legacy of Canada’s Indian Residential School System.
Below is a list of events that are happening that you can participate in if you choose, and actions that you can take to increase your own understanding, or to further the call to action of elected officials on matters pertaining to public policy and truth and reconciliation. Online Events (from anywhere): How to watch and listen to National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on CBC on September 30. Link will be updated when available. |
Check back for 2024
Previous Years
Live Stream: Remember Me
A recording of the national gathering to remember Indigenous children that never returned home, to honour Survivors of Indian residential schools & support families affected by all Indigenous child apprehension programs. The event originally occurred on September 30, 2021 at Parliament Hill in Ottawa. It features:
Claudette Commanda Algonquin Opening and Smudge • Haudenosaunee Opening - Wakerakatste Louise McDonald Herne, condoled Bear Clan Mother for the Mohawk Nation Council and Jonel Beauvais, Wolf Clan, Akwesasne • Theresa Bear Fox and the Akwesasne Women’s Singers • Heartbeats With Our Living Drums (decolonizing a moment of silence) • Fawn Wood: Remember Me • Breathe by Dawn Woodruff • Inuit Throat Singers • Doug George-Kanentiio, Akwesasne Mohawk Residential School Survivor • Shibastik
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation is hosting virtual lunch and learn sessions throughout National Truth and Reconciliation week. These daily lunch sessions feature a range of speakers, topics, and opportunities for questions. The sessions run at 10:30-11:20 am PDT, at the same time across the country. More information is available on the NCTR webpage. Registration is free.
Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation invited people across the world to simultaneously drum for the missing children of Indian residential schools on the first-ever National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, September 30, 2021. The time, 2:15 pm, was chosen to signify the 215 children found on the site of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School in May of 2021. Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc encourages everyone to learn the Secwepemc Honour Song, which can be accessed on YouTube.
Lex̱éywa Art Activism and the Ray and Millie Silver Library offers a wide range of resources highlighting Indigenous content and perspectives, including recalling a residential school experience. There are online and hardcopy items available.
Lex̱éywa Art Activism
Indigenous Library
In-Person Events in Vancouver:
Orange T-shirt Day hosted by Nisga'a Ts'amiks Vancouver Society at Trout Lake:
The event honours the lost children and survivors from the Indian Residential Schooling system on Saturday, September 30, 2023, for National Day of Truth and Reconciliation Day. Vendors who are non-commercial in nature that support Indigenous health, services, advocacy, education and justice are welcome to be on site with us. Everyone is welcome at this event.
The installation embodies the spirit of community building, Indigenous interrelationships and reverence for the diverse Indigenous cultures within B.C. and beyond. The totem pole and accompanying art exhibition articulating the pole’s journey will be open to the public.
Rhythms of Resilience: Vibrations of Hope and Healing
This free event will celebrate the right to Indigenous peoples’ songs and dances with a line-up of beautiful performances and artists who will be attending.
Come together with the community for a meaningful commemoration of Orange Shirt Day, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. We will honor the children and their families while raising awareness of the inter-generational impacts of Indian residential schools.
Friendship Walk and Gathering at Grandview Park in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Culture Days
has set September 30, 2023 aside to create space exclusively for events organized to commemorate the NDTR, including those aimed at sharing First Nations, Métis, and/or Inuit experiences and perspectives and uplifting the creative and cultural expressions of Indigenous people and communities. Find online and in-person events here.
Orange Shirt Day events at UBC
including an Intergenerational March, speakers, and traditional performances, to commemorate Orange Shirt Day. The event is hosted by the UBC Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre Canada.
students, families, friends, and staff are invited and encouraged to come together on September 30, 2023, for a meaningful day of reflection and education. Activities and talks will be age-appropriate and led by Indigenous artists and knowledge keepers. More information here!
Truth and Reconciliation Day: Workshop with Shaina Stephens
Join the Museum of Vancouver for an activity and open conversation about all aspects of residential schools; bring your stories, ready ears, and ready hands. In the spirit of the story told by spokesperson and former student, Phyllis (Jack) Webstad, of her first day when her shiny new orange shirt, a gift from her grandmother, was taken from her as a six-year-old girl, we invite you to make your own orange shirt with us, stencils, and paint to bring home. More information and tickets!
Orange Shirt Day event at Templeton Welcome Garden
The event will include Indigenous speakers, drumming, Earth art, tea music, garden tours, and ice cream. All are invited to gather, remember and play. *Rain or Shine! We will have tents, covered areas and if the weather is very stormy then we will move the event to the indoor space inside the Templeton Pool Building.
Location: Templeton Welcome Garden — 700 Templeton Drive, Vancouver
September 30, 2023, from 2:00 -5:00 pm
Root Dwellers Music Showcase Presents Yellow Bunny and Lil Smudge - Join the National Day For Truth and Reconciliation event at the Anza Club. The headliners include Lil Smudge, a 2-spirit Indigenous femmecee from both the Vuntut G’witchin nation and the Kawacatoose nation of Treaty 4, and Yellowbunny, a former addict turned rapper born and raised in Kamloops. The event will be hosted by Francis Baptiste, features Elder Randy Tait, and vendors West Coast Bannock and Urban Native Youth Association (UNYA) will also be in attendance.
Becoming Kin: Abolition, Borders and Indigenous Futures: Patty Krawec and Harsha Walia in Conversation
In-Person Events in the Greater Vancouver Area:
North Vancouver:
Coquitlam:
Chilliwack:
Maple Ridge:
Whistler/Squamish:
New Westminster:
White Rock:
1. Read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Reports and Calls to Action.
2. Familiarize yourself with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
*3. Sign on to the Change.Org petition created by BCTF members Rick Joe and Peggy Janicki.
4. Find out what First Nations Territory you reside on and make a point of Acknowledging it.
5. Understand the symbolism of the orange shirt.
6. What is Orange Shirt Day? A refresher for all ages.
7. Read the updated Status of the TRC Calls to Action on Child Welfare and Education.
8. Read Indigenous authors and watch Indigenous movies, buy Indigenous-made gifts, listen to podcasts and follow Indigenous news sources. These resources include:
Resources to read and learn:
9. Visit Indigenous Restaurants and Establishments:
A recording of the national gathering to remember Indigenous children that never returned home, to honour Survivors of Indian residential schools & support families affected by all Indigenous child apprehension programs. The event originally occurred on September 30, 2021 at Parliament Hill in Ottawa. It features:
Claudette Commanda Algonquin Opening and Smudge • Haudenosaunee Opening - Wakerakatste Louise McDonald Herne, condoled Bear Clan Mother for the Mohawk Nation Council and Jonel Beauvais, Wolf Clan, Akwesasne • Theresa Bear Fox and the Akwesasne Women’s Singers • Heartbeats With Our Living Drums (decolonizing a moment of silence) • Fawn Wood: Remember Me • Breathe by Dawn Woodruff • Inuit Throat Singers • Doug George-Kanentiio, Akwesasne Mohawk Residential School Survivor • Shibastik
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation is hosting virtual lunch and learn sessions throughout National Truth and Reconciliation week. These daily lunch sessions feature a range of speakers, topics, and opportunities for questions. The sessions run at 10:30-11:20 am PDT, at the same time across the country. More information is available on the NCTR webpage. Registration is free.
Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation invited people across the world to simultaneously drum for the missing children of Indian residential schools on the first-ever National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, September 30, 2021. The time, 2:15 pm, was chosen to signify the 215 children found on the site of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School in May of 2021. Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc encourages everyone to learn the Secwepemc Honour Song, which can be accessed on YouTube.
Lex̱éywa Art Activism and the Ray and Millie Silver Library offers a wide range of resources highlighting Indigenous content and perspectives, including recalling a residential school experience. There are online and hardcopy items available.
Lex̱éywa Art Activism
Indigenous Library
In-Person Events in Vancouver:
Orange T-shirt Day hosted by Nisga'a Ts'amiks Vancouver Society at Trout Lake:
The event honours the lost children and survivors from the Indian Residential Schooling system on Saturday, September 30, 2023, for National Day of Truth and Reconciliation Day. Vendors who are non-commercial in nature that support Indigenous health, services, advocacy, education and justice are welcome to be on site with us. Everyone is welcome at this event.
- Trout Lake Community Centre in John Hendry Park (3360 Victoria Drive, Vancouver)
- Event is outdoors and will take place rain or shine!
- More information
The installation embodies the spirit of community building, Indigenous interrelationships and reverence for the diverse Indigenous cultures within B.C. and beyond. The totem pole and accompanying art exhibition articulating the pole’s journey will be open to the public.
- Location: 501 East 1st Ave. (Emily Carr University)
- Free tickets and information
Rhythms of Resilience: Vibrations of Hope and Healing
This free event will celebrate the right to Indigenous peoples’ songs and dances with a line-up of beautiful performances and artists who will be attending.
- The event is in partnership with the Metro Vancouver YMCA.
- Location: 487 Alexander Street, Vancouver
Come together with the community for a meaningful commemoration of Orange Shirt Day, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. We will honor the children and their families while raising awareness of the inter-generational impacts of Indian residential schools.
- Join us for Indigenous speakers, drummers, storytelling, smudging, healing medicines, learning resources, and refreshments.
- We will also invite you to share your voices and collaborate on creating a community banner during the event. This banner will be carried on Sept 30 for the Orange Shirt Day march in town.
- Location: 2131 Renfrew St., Vancouver - Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House
- Email: [email protected] or visit the website here.
Friendship Walk and Gathering at Grandview Park in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
- 9:30 am - Assemble outside of the Vancouver Aboriginal Community Policing Centre 1719 Franklin Street
- 10:00 am - Friendship Walk to Grandview Park 1657 Charles St
- 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm - Sharing food (Elders and survivors served first)
- Note: Out of respect for the day, there will be no vending. If you would like to share songs and stories, please contact [email protected].
- For volunteer opportunities please contact [email protected]
- More information
Culture Days
has set September 30, 2023 aside to create space exclusively for events organized to commemorate the NDTR, including those aimed at sharing First Nations, Métis, and/or Inuit experiences and perspectives and uplifting the creative and cultural expressions of Indigenous people and communities. Find online and in-person events here.
Orange Shirt Day events at UBC
including an Intergenerational March, speakers, and traditional performances, to commemorate Orange Shirt Day. The event is hosted by the UBC Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre Canada.
- UBC's Main Campus (Point Grey, Vancouver)
- More information is available here.
students, families, friends, and staff are invited and encouraged to come together on September 30, 2023, for a meaningful day of reflection and education. Activities and talks will be age-appropriate and led by Indigenous artists and knowledge keepers. More information here!
Truth and Reconciliation Day: Workshop with Shaina Stephens
Join the Museum of Vancouver for an activity and open conversation about all aspects of residential schools; bring your stories, ready ears, and ready hands. In the spirit of the story told by spokesperson and former student, Phyllis (Jack) Webstad, of her first day when her shiny new orange shirt, a gift from her grandmother, was taken from her as a six-year-old girl, we invite you to make your own orange shirt with us, stencils, and paint to bring home. More information and tickets!
Orange Shirt Day event at Templeton Welcome Garden
The event will include Indigenous speakers, drumming, Earth art, tea music, garden tours, and ice cream. All are invited to gather, remember and play. *Rain or Shine! We will have tents, covered areas and if the weather is very stormy then we will move the event to the indoor space inside the Templeton Pool Building.
Location: Templeton Welcome Garden — 700 Templeton Drive, Vancouver
September 30, 2023, from 2:00 -5:00 pm
Root Dwellers Music Showcase Presents Yellow Bunny and Lil Smudge - Join the National Day For Truth and Reconciliation event at the Anza Club. The headliners include Lil Smudge, a 2-spirit Indigenous femmecee from both the Vuntut G’witchin nation and the Kawacatoose nation of Treaty 4, and Yellowbunny, a former addict turned rapper born and raised in Kamloops. The event will be hosted by Francis Baptiste, features Elder Randy Tait, and vendors West Coast Bannock and Urban Native Youth Association (UNYA) will also be in attendance.
- The Anza Club — 3 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver
- September 29, 2023, from 7:00 - 11:30 pm
- Check out the event here!
- Join us for a film screening event to reflect on our journey toward Truth and Reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. "Trick or Treaty?" portrays one community's attempts to enforce their treaty rights and protect their lands. In "Honour to Senator Murray Sinclair" learn about the remarkable figure who spearheaded the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, emphasizing the need to embracing difficult truths to foster genuine reconciliation.
- Location: nə́c̓aʔmat ct Strathcona Branch (VPL Branch), 730 East Hastings St., Vancouver
- Check out the Truth and Reconciliation films
Becoming Kin: Abolition, Borders and Indigenous Futures: Patty Krawec and Harsha Walia in Conversation
- Join these two singular thinkers and friends in conversation on the most pressing issues of our times; unforgetting our histories of racist nationalism and forging relational, abolitionist futures.
- Location: Massy Arts Gallery, at 23 East Pender Street in Chinatown, Vancouver
- Free registration, please register in advance
In-Person Events in the Greater Vancouver Area:
North Vancouver:
- MONOVA is honoured to welcome Chief Dr. Robert Joseph to North Vancouver to encourage dialogue and learning around the ongoing work of Reconciliation. Join us as Chief Dr. Robert Joseph, O.B.C., hereditary chief of the Gwawaenuk First Nation, shares reflections on his recent book, Namwayut – We Are All One: A Pathway to Reconciliation.
- Tickets range from $25-$30.
- Find more information here.
- Join Siamtnaat & Milnitdi Sheryl Rivers for this special Cultural Knowledge Sharing, with Tales of Raven, the mischievous cultural hero of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) people, who brings about important community growth. Cultural and historical knowledge will be shared in a storytelling format, with diverse topics including Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) history, the Indian Act in Canada, Sacred Canoe Journeys, and North Vancouver’s St. Paul’s Residential School.
- On the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, MONOVA is holding events to engage and promote learning through hands-on activities designed to inspire reflection and meaningful dialogue for guests of all ages.
- September 30, 2023, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Admission is by donation.
- Find more information here.
- Rethinking Reconciliation with Indigenous Artist Miriam Berndt and Grace Ulu
- Griffin Art Projects hosts a talk by the inaugural recipient of the Emerging Indigenous Artist Studio Award, Miriam Berndt and collaborator, Musqueam Artist, Grace Ulu. Their work is informed by land-based practices, unveiling family histories, and reconciling stories from their nuanced matrilineal heritage.
- Location: Griffin Art Projects, 1174 Welch St., North Vancouver
- Pre-recorded lecture also available via Zoom
Coquitlam:
- Place des Arts is hosting Christine Mackenzie this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, 2023. Last year, Christine presented and facilitated a powerful afternoon of sharing art that was appreciated by families of all ages. Christine will be back again to share her unique art perspective around the importance of the cedar bough through a drawing and painting activity. The event is held in Coquitlam, from 1:00 - 4:30 pm. Register here.
Chilliwack:
- Chowiyes-Xwithet/Rise Up - Wake Up: The gathering will honour the shxweli (“life spirit”) of children lost to residential schools, survivors, and their families. “The focus is two-fold.” said the Indigenous Project Lead, Dr. Lolehawk Laura Buker, “First, we are recognizing truth and reconciliation, the remembrance and the healing going forward. Second, we are celebrating our house of learning. Last year we placed a basket above the entrance to the Gathering Place. This year we will reaffirm all the teachings held within that basket, and why is it above the door. Then we have our new song: Stam qwe seliw i te Sitel? / What is in the Basket?” The event is on September 28, 2023, from 11:30 am - 2:30 pm. To register and for more information, click here!
Maple Ridge:
- Story Blanket with Fraser River Indigenous Society: A family drop-in program for children, emphasizing Indigenous teachings like the Medicine Wheel and Seven Sacred Teachings. The events feature storytelling, play, arts, and elder guidance. Dates range from September to December. More information is available here.
Whistler/Squamish:
- The Squamish Lil'Wat Cultural Centre is hosting an event honouring the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Everyone is welcome to attend, experience, and connect with immersive programming and storytelling of Skwxwú7mesh and Líl̓wat7úl-the living culture of the original people of the shared territory where Whistler resides. It features guest speakers, Spo7ez cultural sharing, carving demonstrations, and immersive crafts. There will also be First Nations-inspired cuisine, handcrafted art, and keepsakes.
- Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre: 4584 Blackcomb Way, Whistler
- Free admission, more information
New Westminster:
- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Teaching Pow Wow: Voices of our Children:
- Activities include a host drum by StarChild, dancing by Wild Moccasin Dancers, and Indigenous vendors
- Westminster Pier Park, 1 6th St., New Westminster
- Free admission, more information
White Rock:
- Semiahmoo First Nation Walk for Truth & Reconciliation at Semihamoo Park - The annual event features family-friendly activities that explore the theme “What does Reconciliation mean to you?” Highlights include youth dancers and speakers, Indigenous women’s harmonizer and drum group M’Girl, complimentary chili and bannock, face painting, and an Indigenous artisan market. Orange shirts will also be sold before the walk.
- Location: Semihamoo Park, beginning in the parking lot adjacent to Grand Chief Bernard Robert Charles Plaza at 15393 Marine Drive
- Location: Semihamoo Park, beginning in the parking lot adjacent to Grand Chief Bernard Robert Charles Plaza at 15393 Marine Drive
1. Read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Reports and Calls to Action.
2. Familiarize yourself with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
*3. Sign on to the Change.Org petition created by BCTF members Rick Joe and Peggy Janicki.
4. Find out what First Nations Territory you reside on and make a point of Acknowledging it.
5. Understand the symbolism of the orange shirt.
6. What is Orange Shirt Day? A refresher for all ages.
7. Read the updated Status of the TRC Calls to Action on Child Welfare and Education.
8. Read Indigenous authors and watch Indigenous movies, buy Indigenous-made gifts, listen to podcasts and follow Indigenous news sources. These resources include:
Resources to read and learn:
- The Legacy of Duncan Campbell Scott: More Than Just a Canadian Poet
- Historica Canada: Indigenous History
- The Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund
- Red Women Rising: Indigenous Women Survivors in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside
- Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
- VSO Indigenous Council
- Public Media Fund and Creative Shorts Fellowship Award Recipients
- Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art
- Indigenous Lens: Shorts from the National Film Board
- Project of Heart
- "We Were Children" documentary by Tim Wolochatiuk
- "Indian Horse" feature film by Stephen Campanelli
- "What non-Indigenous Canadians need to know" web series with Eddy Robinson and TVO Docs Today
- "Stolen Children: Residential School Survivors Speak Out" from CBC News: The National
- "Namwayut: we are all one. Truth and Reconciliation in Canada" from CBC News
- This Place: A 10-part journey through one-hundred and fifty years of Indigenous resistance and resilience
- Telling Out Twisted History: Host Kaniehti:io Horn brings us together to decolonize our minds– one word, one concept, one story at a time
- The Secret Life of Canada: Join hosts Leah-Simone Bowen and Falen Johnson as they reveal the beautiful, terrible and weird histories of this land. It is a podcast about the country you know and the stories you don't.
- All My Relations: A podcast that explores what it means to be a Native person. To be an Indigenous person is to be engaged in relationships—relationships to land and place, to a people, to non-human relatives, and to one another. All My Relations is a place to explore those relationships, and to think through Indigeneity in all its complexities.
- Storykeepers: Let's Talk Indigenous Books - A podcast for lovers of Indigenous books, especially fiction, with hosts Waubeshig Rice and Jennifer David. Each episode discusses one or more books, may include a guest host, and lively discussion. It features laughs, storytelling, debate, and discussion.
9. Visit Indigenous Restaurants and Establishments:
- Salmon & Bannock
- A local restaurant that specializes in Indigenous cuisine, incorporating organic and free-range game meat, and local wild seafood. Their menu includes selections such as pemmican mousse, bison pot roast, and an urban smoked salmon burger.
- Thunderbird Cafe
- A Cafe located in the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre that features an Indigenous-inspired menu, with selections such as cedar plank Squamish chowder and homemade Lil’wat venison chili.
- Mr. Bannock Indigenous Cuisine
- A food truck run by the talented and personable Paul Natrall, selling items such as classic bannock tacos.
Other Events
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Every Child Matters! Learn to Bead with Chantal Dustyhorn. Show your support everyday with a Orange Shirt Beaded lapel pin
Location: Rink Mezz, Britannia Community Centre Note: Registration is full, but a waitlist is available for this event. |
Salish Singing and Drumming Workshop
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Join us on Wednesday, September 27th for a Salish Singing and Drumming workshop! This is a free workshop features Russell Wallace, a composer, producer, and traditional Lil’wat singer.
Details:
Date and Time: 2024 TBD Location: SFU Goldcorp Centre for the Arts, 149 West Hastings St., Vancouver (Djavad Mowafaghian World Art Centre for Performing Arts) Cost: Free registration This event is co-presented by SFU's Vancity Office of Community Engagement and SFU's Office for Aboriginal Peoples. At Simon Fraser University, we live and work on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), q̓íc̓əy̓ (Katzie), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), Qayqayt, Kwantlen, Semiahmoo and Tsawwassen peoples. |
Darrel McLeod: A Season in Chezgh'un
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Join Darrel McLeod in a discussion with acclaimed literary journalist Shelagh Rogers, as they discuss his first novel, A Season in Chezgh'un.
The novel is a fascinating read that depicts a world most will never experience: life on a typical Indian Reserve in Canada. McLeod takes the intimacy and candor he’s known for in his memoirs and uses them to paint the story of a talented and conflicted Cree man who spends a year in Northern BC taking in the indomitable spirit of the people, and the splendour of nature—all the while fighting to keep his dark side from destroying his life. Date and Time: 2024 TBD Location: Central Library, 350 West Georgia St., Vancouver Cost: Free registration is required (requires a free VPL library card) |
Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas - JAJ: A Haida Manga
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Come hear artist Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas present his latest graphic novel, JAJ: A Haida Manga. It brings to life the tumultuous history of first contact between Europeans and Indigenous peoples and the early colonization by the Europeans of the northern West Coast.
Michael will appear in conversation with CBC Radio's North by Northwest host, Margaret Gallagher. Date and Time: 2024 TBD Location: Central Library, 350 West Georgia St., Vancouver Registration: Registration is required |