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.

Read about what truth and reconciliation means for Eternity Neekan, Noodawishinaam Oshkiniigiwag (Hear Us Youth) member from Mishkeegogamang First Nation, here. 

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

 

Place a handprint on the window at the Nishnawbe-Gamik Friendship Centre

Any time during their opening hours from now until September 30, 2026

September 28 – October 2, 2026 – Truth and Reconciliation Week

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

📍 Location: Various Locations, Sioux Lookout, ON

September 30, 2026 – OSD Free BBQ

Join SLAAMB for a free BBQ for Truth & Reconciliation day! Wear your orange shirt! 🧡

⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00PM

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

Kenora

September 30, 2026 – Orange Shirt Day Pow Wow

Grand Council Treaty #3 invites you to join the 2026 Orange Shirt Day Pow Wow. Honour Residential School Survivors, remember the children who never made it home, raise awareness, and celebrate the strength and resilience of our people. Honorariums will be provided to dancers in full regalia. Registration is required at the event.

For more information, please contact:
📧 Stephanie.Courtreille@treaty3.ca
📞 1-877-880-5638 ext. 213

⏰ Grand Entry: 1:00 PM

📍 Location: Jarnel Contracting Pavilion, Kenora, ON

Dryden

Parade of Orange

Join the Dryden Native Friendship Centre to recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Wear your orange shirt and walk with us as we honour Survivors, their families, and the children who never returned home. 🧡
 
On September 30th at 10:00 AM, our Parade of Orange will begin at Cooper Park (Earl Ave.) and make its way to the Dryden Native Friendship Centre at 74 Queen Street.
 
Following the walk, everyone is welcome to join us at DNFC for a catered lunch.

⏰ 10am 

📍 Location: Cooper Park to Dryden Native Friendship Centre, Dryden, ON

Red Lake

Truth & Reconciliation Day Free BBQ & Events

Join the Red Lake Indian Friendship Centre for Truth & Reconciliation Day for a free BBQ and events at the Heritage Centre and Centennial Park.

⏰ 10am – 3pm

📍 Location: Heritage Centre and Centennial Park, Red Lake, ON 

 

September 30, 2026 – Orange Shirt Day Event

Join the Ontario Native Women’s Association on September 30th to support Truth and Reconciliation Day (Orange Shirt Day). 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. Lunch provided.
 

⏰ Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

📍 Location: 380 Ray Blvd, Thunder Bay

 

September 29, 2026 – Flag Raising & Sacred Fire 

Hosted in partnership by the Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre and the City of Thunder Bay, this gathering will feature Knowledge Keeper Dave Simard, Fire Keeper Dean Nooshquash, and the Charging Thunder Singerz. Community members are invited to participate with hand drums, rattles, and songs. Soup and bannock will be served.
 
For more information, contact maamawe@thunderbay.ca.

⏰ Flag Raising: 6:00 – 8:00 PM

📍 Location: Hillcrest Park, Thunder Bay, ON

 

September 28, 2026 – DFC Every Child Matters Powwow

 

⏰ Time: 12 – 4pm

📍 Location: Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School Back Feild, Thunder Bay, ON

Thunder Bay

September 30, 2026 – Honouring Our Children Run (or Walk)

Join Mazinaajim Children’s Foundation on September 30th at Boulevard Lake to celebrate the 5th Anniversary of this powerful community event.
Come together to walk, run, remember, and honour Indigenous children, survivors, and their families on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

📍 Location: Boulevard Lake, Thunder Bay, ON

Fort Severn

September 29, 2026 – Honouring Our Children Walk

📍 Location: WCNS

⏰2pm EST

Online/News

⏰11am EST

⏰10am CST