On Saturday, September 30, 2023 we reflect, commemorate, bereave and support our Indigenous community by recognizing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This federal statutory holiday will see government offices, schools, and many businesses closed to take time to honour the survivors, children, families and community of those who never returned home from residential schools.

Our public commemoration of these events is a key part of the reconciliation process. You can help recognize and honour the day by wearing your orange shirt and participating in one of the meaningful events below:

 

Alberta Legislature Reconciliation Garden Grand Opening

Make your way to the Alberta Legislature Grounds for the opening of the reconciliation garden ‘Kihciy Maskikiy / Aakaakmotaani’ (Cree and Blackfoot words meaning ‘sacred medicine / save many people’). This sacred space features the ‘Mother Earth Circling: Healing from the residential school experience’ stone sculpture by Cree artist Stewart Steinhauer, along with a medicine wheel, traditional plants, stone benches, and footprints that represent the children who did not make it home.

When: Friday, September 29, 2023
Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Where: Alberta Legislature Grounds
Website: Facebook Event

 

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Royal Alberta Museum

Wear your orange shirt to the Royal Museum and join in for a special storytime readings in the Children’s Gallery, watch film screenings from an indigenous filmmaker, and explore the history while finding opportunities to implement acts of reconciliation in your own life. Activities are included with general admission; admission is always free for Indigenous Peoples.

When: Saturday, September 30, 2023
Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Where: Royal Alberta Museum | 9810 103a Avenue NW, Edmonton
Website: www.royalalbertamuseum.ca

 

Indigenous Inspired Crafts & Activities at Telus World of Science – Edmonton

On September 30, be at the Science Centre for the raising of the lighting of the Quilliq, a Tipi raising, Indigenous vendors market, and special crafts and activities like an orange shirt pin and Cree constellation craft, or Coding with Beadwork.  General admission will be free for Indigenous Peoples on September 30.

When: Saturday, September 30, 2023
Time: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Where: TELUS World of Science – Edmonton | 11211 142 Street NW, Edmonton
Website: www.telusworldofscienceedmonton.ca

 

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with Strathcona County

Strathcona County is hosting their National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Broadmoor Lake Park and Gallery @501. Join guest speakers, Indigenous elders, knowledge keepers and performers in the park for a smudging ceremony, an Honour Walk around the Park, interactive displays, and free bannock, coffee and hot chocolate. Festival Place will also be lit orange to commemorate the day.

When: Saturday, September 30, 2023
Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Where: Broadmoor Lake Park | 95 St 103A Avenue, Edmonton
Website: www.strathcona.ca

 

Walk Together for Truth and Reconciliation in Stony Plain

Put on your orange shirt and join the Town of Stony Plain for this 1.5 km walk in recognition of the day. It will be an opportunity to walk, listen, and share, followed by connecting with during the free BBQ lunch that follows.

When: Saturday, September 30, 2023
Time: Begins at 9:30 am
Where: Heritage Park | 5100 41 Avenue, Stony Plain
Website: www.stonyplain.com

 

Orange Shirt Day in Devon

Celebrate Indigenous cultures and honour Residential School Survivors during Orange Shirt Day in the Town of Devon. Activities include guest speakers, a community walk in solidarity, storytime featuring “My Ribbon Skirts” author Shelly Nelson, crafts, and more.

When: Saturday, September 30, 2023
Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Where: Medicine Park | 10 River Drive, Devon
Website: www.devon.ca