Though most businesses are closed to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation this September 30th, there will be a few special events to celebrate Indigenous culture, amplify the voice of Indigenous artists and help us all pause and reflect on the impact and painful legacy of the Canadian residential school system. Some of these events may not be suitable for young children, so please check before you go.
FREE – Truth and Reconciliation Storytime and Play
Come for a special Orange Shirt Day Storytime & Play for ages 0–5. Families will enjoy sensory play, themed crafts, and a story and song circle.
Date: Friday, September 26, 2025
Time: 10:00 – 11:00 AM
Venue: Eastern Shore Family Resource Association
FREE – Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
Ta’n me’j Tel-keknuo’ltiek: How Unique We Still Are, reflects how Mi’kmaw people remain connected to the lands and waters of Mi’kma’ki. This exhibit offers a platform for Mi’kmaw people to express their continued experiences with an understanding of the lands and the waters of Mi’kma’ki.
Date: Tuesday, September 30 & October 1, 2025
Time: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Venue: Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
FREE – Museum of Natural History
Their exhibit Pjila’si (opened March 2025), meaning “welcome” in Mi’kmaw, is an interactive space that celebrates Mi’kmaw culture. It brings to life the knowledge, skills, and adaptability of the Mi’kmaw people throughout history and to this day. It’s a place to engage, learn, and reflect.
Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Time: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Venue: Museum of Natural History
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at MNFH
The Youth Group from the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre will host an event on a day dedicated to learn and reflect on the generational harm done to the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis of Turtle Island.
Date: September 30, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Venue: Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre, Halifax
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
Indigenous-created short film screenings will be shown throughout the day. List of films coming soon. Regular admission rates apply.
Date: September 30, 2025
Time: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Venue: Canadian Museum of Immigration, Pier 21, Halifax
Mi’kmaq Treaty Day
October 1st is Treaty Day in Nova Scotia and marks the beginning of Mi’kmaq History Month. This year’s theme is A’tukwemk aq A’tukowinu’k – Storytelling and Storytellers. For more information about Mi’kmaq History Month, check out www.mikmaqhistorymonth.ca.
Date: October 1, 2025
Time: 3:00 – 8:00 PM
Venue: Every One Every Day, 2169 Gottingen Street
Others Ways to Observe National Day of Truth and Reconciliation:
- Visit the National Truth and Reconciliation website for more resources
- Read Out of the Depths: The experiences of Mi’kmaw children at the Indian Residential School at Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia by Isabelle Knockwood, and other memoirs by survivors.
- Watch We Were Children (available on Amazon Prime) and Indian Horse (available on Netflix).
- Wear an orange shirt, preferably one designed by an indigenous artist.
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CBC Kids YouTube channel has a playlist featuring explainers, full episodes and segments on Indigenous culture.
- Watch Gord Downie’s Secret Path.
- Listen in on A Day to Listen, which will be broadcasted on local radio stations and online.
- Learn about the Mi’kmaw communities whose land you live on and visit the three First Nations in Halifax Regional Municipality.
- Visit Indigenous cultural heritage sites to learn about the traditions, culture, and resilience of your local communities.
- Visit the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre, and Peace and Friendship Park in Halifax.
- Have conversations with the people in your life about what reconciliation means and why it’s important.
- Support Indigenous artists, drummers, singers, dancers, language learners and small business owners. They are helping communities heal.
