From 1831 to 1998, there were 140 residential schools run by the federal government across Canada. In 2021, the Government of Canada acknowledged September 30th as Indigenous Truth and Reconciliation Day, also known as Orange Shirt Day. The orange shirt symbolizes the removal of culture, freedom, and self-esteem from Indigenous children. As a result of her own experiences and of those who were in residential schools, Phyllis Jack Webstand started this grassroots campaign. Truth and Reconciliation day is a time to remember the children who were killed while attending residential schools run by churches and paid for by the government as well as the trauma that survivors and their families continue to endure. In 2021, Parliament approved the federal statutory holiday after 215 potential burial sites were identified on the grounds of a former residential school in Kamloops, B.C. Eva Jewell who is a professor at The Toronto Metropolitan University who is Anishinaabe from Chippewas states, “ It is a time for Canadians to reflect on the foundation of their country, which is rooted in Indigenous genocide”. Additionally, this day is dedicated to initiating meaningful discussions and commitment to actions, especially for those who are settlers on this land. It is our responsibility to use our power and privilege to question the continued oppression of Indigenous communities and support the efforts to advocate for the implementation of all 94 calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report.
Below are a few on-site and online events taking place on September 30th, 2022 across Canada:
In-Person Events:
Powwow and Gathering in the Wakamow Valley
The Wakamow Aboriginal Community Association is hosting a powwow and gathering in the Wakamow Valley in partnership with the Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gallery.
Where: Wakamow Valley-Home St E, Moose Jaw, SK
When: September 30,2022 & October 1,2022 @1PM
Cost: Free
Planting Seeds of Reconciliation
Welcoming Indigenous & non-Indigenous community members to help us plant the seeds of awareness & engagement on the path to reconciliation!
Where: North Toronto Memorial Community Centre 200 Eglinton Avenue West Toronto, ON
When: October 2, 2022 @12-4PM
Cost: Free, Register Here
National Day for Truth & Reconciliation: Orange Shirt Day
In honour of Indian residential school survivors and previous lives that were lost, they will be having a sacred fire and drum-making workshop for survivors and/or seniors.
Where: 191 Gerrard St. East
When: September 30, 2022 @11AM
Cost: Free, Register Here
Indigenous Legacy Gathering:
A day full of Indigenous activities, stories, and much more
Where: Nathan Philp Square
When: September 29th & 30th, 2022 @10AM-5PM
Cost: Free
Learn, Reflect and Engage:
Where: Mississauga Celebration Square (MCS)
When: September 30, 2022-Whole-day event
Cost: Free
Noon Hour Concert: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
A soulful musician, singer, and songwriter, Hill composes her music on the Six Nations of the Grand River reserve.
Where: Hamilton Public library- Central Library, 55 York Blvd, Hamilton, ON
When: September 30,2022 @12-1:00 PM
Cost: Free
Multimedia Event to Honor Reconciliation/Orange Shirt in the York Region
The event will feature performances by drummers, singers, and dancers from the first nations dance company.
Where: King Township Museum, 2920 King rd, King City, ON
When: September 30, 2022 @5:30-8:30PM
Cost: Free
Moccasin Identifier Project
In the Moccasin Identifier, four moccasin symbols represent the diversity of Indigenous people in Ontario. In this event, you will use the stencils to print your own Moccasins to bring home.
Where: Lincoln Museum & Cultural Centre, 3800 Main Street, Jordan station- Regional Municipality of Niagara, ON
When: September 30, 2022 @10AM-4PM
Cost: Free
Commemorate Truth & Reconciliation
Koerner hall concert is honoring the lives and knowledge of indigenous people, it will be a night filled with dancers, storytellers, and much more.
Where: Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor St.W, Toronto, ON
When: September 30, 2022 @8-11PM
Cost: Free
National Day for Truth & Reconciliation
The day will consist of different activities such as flag raising, in-person seminars, and much more
Where: Pelham Town Hall – 20 Pelham Town Square ( all other events will take place at Meridian Community Centre, Fonthill, ON- Region Municipality of Niagara, ON)
When: September 30,2022 @7:30AM-5PM
Cost: Free
No Word for Art with Naomi Smith
In this workshop, Naomi Smith will take participants on a journey through historical and contemporary beadworks. As part of the experience, participants will create their own beaded hair pipe. This event is for ages 12 and up.
Where: Guelph Civic Musem, 52 Norfolk Street, Guelph, ON
When: September 30,2022, Session 1: 10-11:30AM, Session 2: 1-2:30PM
Cost: Free, Register Here
Online Events:
Virtual Tour of Mohawk Institute Residental school
The guided tour of the former Mohawk institute is offered by the Woodland cultural center, Indian residential school spam of 140 years. This tour will include interviews with five former Mohawk Institute survivors and tours of the dormitories, cafeteria, laundry room, and other building areas.
Where: Online
When: September 21,28,&29
Cost: $10, Register Here
Voices of Bawating Playlist:
In honor of National Indigenous Peoples Month, the Sault Ste Marie Public Library created this Voices of Bawating video series with members of the Anishinaabe community. The videos feature Indigenous artists from the local community sharing a different form of artistic expression.
Where: Online
When: September 30, 2022 @8am
Cost: Free, Access the Event Here
Oral history: Residential schools – Mike Cachagee ( Arnold Michael Cachagee)
Mike Cachagee shares his experiences in Canadian Residential Schools, including Shingwauk Residential School.
Where: Online
When: Runs during the duration of Cultural days
Cost: Free, Access the Event Here
TRC-CVR’s Videos
Over here you can find educational videos about what Truth and Reconciliation mean and the history of Indigenous people.
Where: Access Videos Here
Honour to Senator Murray Sinclair
As the Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Senator Murray Sinclair was a key figure in raising global awareness of the atrocities of Canada’s residential school system.
Where: Access Video Here