Marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It’s a day to honour the children who never came home from residential schools, and the survivors.

It’s a day to acknowledge and learn from the history of this country now known as Canada, so we can work for a more just present.

If you’re looking for a way to mark the occasion in Ottawa, Gatineau, Montreal or online, here are some suggestions. These are meant to help deepen our understanding of Indigenous histories and perspectives, and to reflect on the legacies of residential schools.

Beechwood National Memorial Center

The Beechwood National Memorial Center’s will host a Reconciliation Tour at Beechwood Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. on September 30. There will also be an art exhibit inside the Beechwood National Memorial Centre.

Learn more

Diefenbunker Museum

On September 30 at 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. there will be a land acknowledgement unveiling and Truth and Reconciliation Ceremony.

Learn more

Museum of History

The Museum of History is open all day free of charge. We encourage you to visit the Indian Residential School Memorial Monument while there.

Learn more

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation is hosting a series of online Lunch and Learns from September 22 to 26. These conversations are open to the public, feature expert speakers and include simultaneous interpretation in English and French. 

On September 30 at 3:00 p.m. the NCTR will also host a commemorative gathering on Parliament Hill.

Learn more

Native Women's Shelter (Montreal)

On September 30 at 1:00 p.m. the Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal will be hosting the Every Child Matters march and a day of action. The gathering location is at Monument George-Étienne Cartier (Parc Avenue).

Learn more

Ottawa Public Libraries

Ottawa Public Libraries will provide a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Learning and Action Space at several branches on Monday, September 30, from 10am to 5pm.

Participating branches will offer learning resources and activities such as a heart garden, National Film Board short films, and Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada maps. 

Learn more

Rideau Hall

On September 28, Rideau Hall will host a Doors Open event with interactive art activities reflecting on ten years since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission released its final report.

On September 30 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Rideau Hall will host a Sacred Fire for the community.

Learn more

Université Laval (Montreal)

On September 30 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Universite Laval is hosting a roundtable Shared Truths and Living Together: Ecologies, Spiritualities and Territories (in person or online, in French only).

Register here

Wapikoni

On September 23 at 6:30 p.m., Wapikoni is hosting an online awareness workshop with Christina Brière, a member of the Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk First Nation. This event is in French only. 

Learn more

Additional resources

Interactive learning

• Use the Native-Land.ca interactive map to discover the territories, languages, and treaties linked to your location, and gain perspective on Indigenous presence and sovereignty.
• Enroll in the Indigenous Canada course by the University of Alberta; an accessible, free program exploring Indigenous histories and contemporary issues in Canada.

Storytelling and podcasts

• Listen to the Unrooted podcast to hear stories and insights from Indigenous voices, shared by The Indigenous Foundation.
• Experience personal narratives in urban settings through Indigenous Cities, a digital project from the National Arts Centre.

Articles and video resources

• For guidance on discussing residential schools with children: How to talk to kids about residential schools (CBC)
• Watch educational videos from the Orange Shirt Society, including Phyllis’ Story recounting the origins of Orange Shirt Day.
• View Stolen Children, a moving video featuring residential school survivors sharing their experiences with CBC.
• Take a virtual tour of the former Mohawk Institute Residential School hosted by the Woodland Cultural Centre for a firsthand perspective on lived history.
• Explore practical strategies and tools with The Decolonial Toolbox from Mikana offering materials for reflection and action.

For the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, Inter Pares is inviting waged workers who have the capacity to do so to donate one day’s wages to Indigenous organizations or individuals that are promoting Indigenous rights and wellbeing.

This year, Inter Pares staff are donating to six organizations. Learn more.