National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Community Events

On September 30, Tikinagan Child and Family Services invites you to wear orange for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to show your support for residential school survivors.

The residential school system historically separated families and disrupted community life. Mamow Obiki-ahwahsoowin, which means “Everyone working together to raise our children,” is the Tikinagan service model and works to keep families together, maintain our culture and respects the inherent authority of First Nations to care for our own children. The residential school system actively broke the authority of First Nations, caused trauma and pain, and disrupted a whole culture. By wearing orange, we can stand together and honour the journey of healing and resilience of our Indigenous peoples. Showing your support goes a long way in starting a conversation about our history and its implications on our present. These conversations lead to action and change that can bring our communities together. We encourage you to act – honour and support residential school survivors and their families. Action can include…

  • Learning about the history behind Orange Shirt Day
  • Learn about residential school history and its current impacts.
  • Participate in local activities and events honouring the journey of both residential school survivors and those countless children that were lost.
  • Hold your politicians accountable. Learn about government policy and stay informed.
  • Donate to and volunteer with charities that support residential school survivors and their families.

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

Sioux Lookout

September 29 – October 3, 2025 – Truth and Reconciliation Week

Multiple orginizations have teamed up for a week of teachings, events, and ceremonies. Please reach out to the individual orginization hosting an event for more information or for their poster.

📍 Location: Various Locations, Sioux Lookout, ON

Sioux Lookout

September 30, 2025 – Sunrise Ceremony

The Nishnawbe-Gamik Friendship Centre will be keeping a Sacred fire going all day for tobacco offerings. Please wear your ribbon shirts/shirts for the ceremony.

⏰ Fire Starting: 7:00 AM

📍 Location: NGFC, 52 King St, Sioux Lookout, ON

Sioux Lookout

September 30, 2025 – OSD Free BBQ

Please join us at the SLAAMB office for a free BBQ in honour of Orange Shirt Day. Please wear orange 🧡

⏰ Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00PM

📍 Location: SLAAMB Office, 80 Front St, Sioux Lookout, ON

Dryden

September 30, 2025 – Orange Shirt Day Pow Wow

Grand Council Treaty #3 invites you to join the 2025 Orange Shirt Day Pow Wow. Come together in the spirit of reconciliation and healing, and enjoy food, vendors, dancing, games, and more. Honouraria for all registered dancers and all Drums welcome. 💖 For more information on the event contact Mackenzie.Archie@treaty3.ca.

⏰ Grand Entry: 1:00 PM

⏰ IRS Acknowledgement Ceremony, followed by jingle dress healing & honour song: 4:00 PM 

⏰ Taco in a bag & Indian taco dinner: 5:00 PM

📍 Location: Cooper Park, Dryden, ON

Red Lake

September 30, 2025 – Truth and Reconciliation Day Events & BBQ

This Tuesday, September 30, 2025, join us for Truth and Reconciliation Day. Please see poster for additional details and please wear an orange shirt.

⏰ Opening Prayers 10:00 AM

📍 Location: Phillip Thomas Vinet Centennial Park, Red Lake, ON

Fort William

September 30, 2025 –  10th Annual Fall Gathering & Feast

This Tuesday, September 30, 2025, join us for the Traditional Fall Gathering. Please see poster for additional details. 

⏰ Sunrise Ceremony: 6:00 AM 

⏰ Fall Festivities Begin: 8:00 AM 

⏰ Feast: 5:00 PM 

📍 Location: Anemki Wajiw – Mount McKay Lookout Drive, Fort William First Nation, ON

A Traditional Lacrosse Game will take place during the Fall Festival, from 4:00 to 5:00 PM at Mount McKay. All ages are welcome – registration required. Gift cards will be provided for participation. For more information or to register, contact Travis McKay at 807-622-6791 or travismckay@fwfn.com.

Thunder Bay

September 26, 2025 – Orange Shirt Day Event

Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is hosting a sacred fire to honor all survivors, family members, and friends. The event will include Cedar Tea, Bannock, drumming, and land games.
This is a family-friendly gathering with a special focus on honouring our children and youth. There will be activities and games for children throughout the day, creating space for healing, joy, and community togetherness. Register Today: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/D4UiPvMw17
 

⏰ Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

📍 Location: 380 Ray Blvd, Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay

September 29, 2025 – Flag Raising & Sacred Fire 

🧡 In honour of Residential School Survivors, the children who never made it home, and their families and communities, let us come together in remembrance, reflection, and solidarity. 🧡
Join us for the Survivors’ Flag Raising & Sacred Fire

⏰ Flag Raising: 6:00 – 8:00 PM

📍 Location: Hillcrest Park, Thunder Bay, ON

Thunder Bay

September 30, 2025 – Orange Shirt Day Walk 

Join us for Orange Shirt Day, a Walk and Gathering in support of Residential School Survivors and their Families.Please gather at Thunder Bay City Hall, where we will begin the walk, and make our way to Vickers Park. For more information regarding the event, please reach out to healing@nan.ca

⏰ Opening Remarks: 10:30 AM

⏰ Event and Lunch : 12:30 AM

📍 Location: City Hall, 500 Donald St. E. Thunder Bay, ON

Thunder Bay

September 30, 2025 – Honouring Our Children Run (or Walk)

Join us for a powerful community run hosted by Mazinaajim Children’s Foundation, in collaboration with Dilico Anishinabek Family Care.

⏰ Agenda with times: HOCR Agenda 2025

📍 Location: Boulevard Lake, Lyon Blvd, Thunder Bay, ON

Winnipeg

September 30, 2025 – Orange Shirt Day Walk & Pow Wow

The Southern Chiefs’ Organization invites you to attend the 5th Annual Orange Shirt Day Healing Walk and Pow Wow on September 30, 2025, in Winnipeg, on Treaty One Territory.
This will be an opportunity to honour residential school Survivors, remember the children who never came home, and support healing for all affected families.

⏰ Pipe Ceremony: 10:00 AM

⏰ Walk Starts: 11:00 AM

📍 Location: The Forks, Winnipeg, MB

⏰ Grand Entry: 1:00 PM

📍 Location: RBC Convention Centre, Winnipeg, MB