On Tuesday, September 30, Canada marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day. This day honours residential school survivors, the children who never came home, and the cultures and traditions of Indigenous Peoples. It is a day of learning, mourning, and honoring – an opportunity for all Canadians to reflect on a dark chapter of our history and commit to reconciliation.
Many schools, organizations, and businesses will close to allow time for reflection, and people are encouraged to wear orange shirts in solidarity.
There are several events happening across the Edmonton area to mark this important day.
Edmonton Events – for more events go to Raven Events Page.
Fort Edmonton Park
- All attractions closed except the Indigenous Peoples Experience
- Smudging ceremony at 9:30 a.m.
- Free admission for all Indigenous Peoples
- Workshops throughout the day, including Balance miyo-mahcihoyān with Kyle M. Campiou
- Other programming: Inuit Residential School Experience, a healing circle, and a Sixties Scoop survivor panel
- More info here
Truth and Reconciliation Film Screening – Audreys Books (10702 Jasper Ave)
- Hosted with the Edmonton Short Film Festival
- Indigenous short films + Q&A with Indigenous authors
- 3:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.
- Free to attend, with food and refreshments
Royal Alberta Museum
- Local artist Lance Cardinal unveils a miniature of St. Martin’s Catholic Mission School
- Artist talk begins at 1 p.m.
- Screening of Miniature, a documentary on his work
- Event included with admission
Telus World of Science
- Day-long event blending community and culture
- Tipi raising, smudging ceremony, drumming, tea ceremony, and Indigenous vendors
- Free admission for Indigenous Peoples
Fort Saskatchewan – Tipi Raising
- Fort Heritage Precinct hosts a 26-foot tipi raising
- Artwork by Ojibwe artist Ellie Lagrandeur
- Bannock and stew for the first 150 guests
- Event begins at 10 a.m.
St. Albert – Mission Park
- Guest speakers, knowledge keepers, performers, and local vendors
- Honour walk to the Healing Garden
- First Nations showcase with dancers and drummers
- Closing ceremony at 3:30 p.m.
Strathcona County – Festival Place (Sherwood Park)
- Smudge ceremony to start the day
- Bannock tasting, free hot chocolate and coffee
- Honour walk around Broadmoor Lake Park
World Premiere: What We Carry – Edmonton International Film Festival
- Inspired by the discovery of 215 children in Kamloops
- Directed by Jessie Anthony, with Q&A at 3:30 p.m.
- Landmark Cinemas 9 City Centre (10200 102 Ave)
Churchill Square & City Hall
- City officials raising Every Child Matters banners
- Flags at half-mast
- Survivor’s flag displayed at City Hall
- Edmonton landmarks lit orange: High Level Bridge, Walterdale Bridge, Muttart, Commonwealth Stadium, Edmonton Tower, Rossdale Power Plant
Support Resources
If you are a residential school survivor or family member and need support, call the 24/7 National Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419.
Comments