National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Events
Each year, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.
Wear Orange
Both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day take place on September 30.
Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day intended to raise awareness of the individual, family and community intergenerational impacts of residential schools, and to promote the concept of “Every Child Matters”. The orange shirt is a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations.
On September 30, we encourage everyone to wear orange to honour the thousands of Survivors of residential schools.
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Please see below for events in our communities. Know of an event we don’t have listed? Email communications@tikinagan.org with the event info!
Local Events
Dryden
Thursday, September 28, 2023 to October 2, 2023 – Truth & Reconciliation Acknowledgement Walk in Laura Howe Marsh
Look for the orange shirts & tips on how to participate in reconciliation.
Laura Howe Marsh
Friday, September 29, 2023 – Dryden Native Friendship Centre
10am-1pm
The Dryden Native Friendship Centre
Saturday, September 30, 2023 – Bones of Crows
Gates open at 6:30pm, show starts at 7:30pm
Sunset Drive-In Theatre
Kenora
Saturday, September 30, 2023 – Truth and Reconciliation Gathering and Pow Wow
8:30am – Orange shirt walk at CJ Grounds located at 237 Airport Road
12-4pm – Pow Wow at Whitecap Pavilion (Grand entry at 12:30pm)
Sioux Lookout
Wednesday, September 27, 2023 – Truth & Reconciliation Remembrance Walk
1pm – Starting at the OPP Station (62 Queen Street)
Thunder Bay
Saturday, September 30, 2023 – Honouring Our Children Run
Saturday, September 30, 2023 – Orange Shirt Day Walk
Saturday, September 30, 2023 – National Day For Truth and Reconciliation
9:00am – 10:30am – Hillcrest Park
Orange Shirt Day at Hillcrest Park in the City of Thunder Bay is a meaningful event.
Taking place from 9:00 am to 10:30 am, the event begins with the significant act of honouring the Residential School Survivors flag at Hillcrest Park. This gesture serves as a symbol of remembrance and recognition for the survivors of the Residential School system, acknowledging their experiences and resilience.
The City is installing a “pop-up” reflective space at the flagpole site that will be constructed in the park next summer. The community is invited to come and experience the site as a pop-up space this year.
This event promotes education, understanding, and empathy, contributing to the ongoing process of reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in Thunder Bay and beyond.
Monday, October 2, 2023 – First Nations Public Library Week: Indigenous Author Series
2:00 – 3:00pm – As founder of Orange Shirt Day and ambassador for the Orange Shirt Society, Phyllis Webstad facilitates dialogue around the Indian Residential School system and creates space for healing. Orange Shirt Day, recognized annually on September 30, is a day to reflect, educate and commit to Truth and Reconciliation. At this online Zoom event, Phyllis will be reading from her new book, Every Child Matters.
Vermillion Bay
September 29, 2023 – Walk For Wenjack (McIntosh, Ontario)
Need Support? Contact the National Indian Residential School Crisis Line 1-866-925-4419