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:
Orange Shirt Workshop at Leduc Arts Foundry
Join artist Katherine Swampy to create your own personalized orange shirt while you learn more about the history of residential schools and the significance of wearing an orange shirt. Register here for the all-ages event. A portion of proceeds will be donated to services in Maskwacis.
When: September 26 (Youth Drop-In) and September 27, 2023 (All Ages)
Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Where: Leduc Arts Foundry |
Website: www.artsfoundry.ca
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
Hand in Hand: A Step Toward Reconciliation
Be at Churchill Square for performances by traditional Pow Wow dancers, drummers, and hoop dancers, bannock and soup being serve by the Edmonton Police Service, and craft activities.
When: Friday, September 29, 2023
Time: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Where: Sir Winston Churchill Square
Website: www.edmontondowntown.com
Films at the Library: Rhymes for Young Ghouls
Watch the feature debut of Rhymes for Young Girls by late Mi’kmaq director Jeff Barnaby. This film follows 15 year old Aila on the Red Crow Mi’kmaq reservation and her struggles to keep herself out of the residential school.
When: Friday, September 29, 2023
Time: 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Where: Stanley A. Milner Library
Website: www.edmontondowntown.com
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
Art Gallery of Alberta
Visit the Art Gallery to reflect on our truth and history through art. Admission is free to everyone courtesy of the Capital Power Indigenous Art Fund.
When: Saturday, September 30, 2023
Time: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: Art Gallery of Alberta | 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square
Website: www.youraga.ca
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
Fort Edmonton Park
When: Saturday, September 30, 2023
Time: Timeslot 1: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm; Timeslot 2: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Where: Fort Edmonton Park | 7000 143 St NW, Edmonton
Website: www.fortedmontonpark.ca
Standing Together Orange Shirt Day Community Walk
Standing Together invites you to “walk alongside us in honour of survivors who are gone and those still walking with us.” Orange shirts and bagged lunches will be provided.
When: Saturday, September 30, 2023
Time: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Where: Mary Burlie Park | 10465 97 Street NW, Edmonton
Website: www.edmonton.ca
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 others 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