Marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30
September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – a day to reflect on the lasting impact of former residential schools, and to honour survivors, the children who did not return home, and their families and communities.
Here at Trans Canada Trail, we reaffirm our commitment to Indigenous reconciliation, year-round and as an ongoing process, and to developing meaningful, respectful relationships with Indigenous Peoples and communities. This includes actively listening to and learning from Indigenous voices, supporting initiatives that celebrate and integrate Indigenous culture and heritage along the Trans Canada Trail and beyond, and fostering meaningful dialogue and engagement – and encouraging and supporting our Trail partners to do the same. Read more about our Commitment to Indigenous Reconciliation and our annual Report on Reconciliation here.
Below you will find a list of recommended resources and events.
Suggested resources and events
Interactive map and learning resources
Beyond 94 interactive resource from CBC
Indigenous Canada course from University of Alberta (free; online)
Unrooted podcast from the Indigenous Foundation
Articles and videos about Orange Shirt Day and residential schools
Article from CBC kids
Video from Tribal Trade
Videos from Orange Shirt Society
Playlist from National Film Board
Phyllis’ Story from Orange Shirt Society
Shoal Lake 40 Freedom Road
Stolen Children – survivors speak out video from CBC
A Story of Sports and Survival from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Virtual tour of former Mohawk Institute Residential School from Woodland Cultural Centre
Events for the National Week of Truth & Reconciliation from the National Centre for Truth & Reconciliation
Events and webinars from the National Centre for Truth & Reconciliation
A sampling of events:
• Alberta — Orange Shirt Day community walk in Edmonton
• Events across British Columbia — see Indigenous BC for more information
• Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario — several events from September 23 to 27
• La Tuque, QC — Truth and Reconciliation week events from the Centre d’amitié autochtone Capetciwotakanik
• Manitoba — Reconciliation Run (in-person and virtual)
• Montreal — Every Child Matters march and day of action from the Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal
• Ottawa (Gather on Parliament Hill)
• Winnipeg
• New Brunswick — several events in Fredericton
• Nunavut
• Yukon
