Observing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
On September 30, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we reflect on the enduring impact of former residential schools, and we honour survivors, the children who did not return home, and their families and communities.
At Trans Canada Trail, we reaffirm our year-round – and ongoing – commitment to Indigenous reconciliation. We’re committed 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 cultures 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 Truth and Reconciliation here. We extend our sincere appreciation to our Indigenous Advisory Committee for its guidance and advice to Trans Canada Trail staff as it relates to Trans Canada Trail’s Indigenous programs and initiatives.
Below you will find a list of recommended resources and events from across Canada. This list is not exhaustive, and we encourage you to find opportunities in your community.
Photo credit: Daniel Baylis | danielbaylis.ca
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
Indigenous Cities from the National Arts Centre
Walking Alongside from McGill University
Indigenous Voices from Environment and Climate Canada
Métis Memories of Residential Schools from the Rupertsland Institute
Articles and videos about Orange Shirt Day and residential schools
Article from CBC Kids
Indigenous words colouring pages from the National Arts Centre
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
Legal Timeline of Indigenous Rights from Mikana
The Decolonial Toolbox from Mikana
Events for the National Week of Truth & Reconciliation
Events and webinars from the National Centre for Truth & Reconciliation
Truth & Reconciliation Day at the Museum of North Vancouver (North Vancouver, BC)
Orange Shirt Day commemmoration at the Circle of Indigenous Nations Society (Castlegar, BC)
Orange Shirt Day at the Metis Settlements General Council (Edmonton, AB)
Reconciliation Walk with Pokaiks Reconciliation Society (Calgary, AB)
National Day for Truth & Reconciliation at the Wanuskewin Heritage Park (Saskatoon, SK)
Healing Walk and Pow Wow with the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (Winnipeg, MB)
Every Child Matters Walk with North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre (North Bay, ON)
National Day for Truth & Reconciliation on Parliament Hill (Ottawa, ON)
National Day for Truth & Reconciliation at the Canadian Museum of History (Gatineau, QC)
Every Child Matters March with the Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal (Montreal, QC)
Annual Psi-te Npomawsuwinuwok (All My People) Wabanaki Gathering (Fredericton, NB)
Truth & Reconciliaton Day at the Nova Scotia Museum (Lunenberg, NS)
National Day for Truth & Reconciliation with L’Nuey (Charlottetown, PE)
National Day for Truth & Reconciliation with Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Government (Dawson City, YK)
Feast and Square Dance for Truth & Reconciliation Day (Hamlet of Arviat, NU)
Feature photo credit: Brook McIlroy
