Every year on September 30, we as Canadians step back to reflect on our country’s painful history and to honour the Indigenous survivors of Indian Residential Schools. Here are some community events going on to mark the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation…
Nationwide
Orange Shirt Day
Inspired by residential school survivor Phyllis Webstad’s story of being stripped of her possessions upon arrival, people across the nation wear orange shirts to remember these indignities.
Toronto
Toronto Council Fire Legacy Gathering
When: September 29-30, 2022, 7:00 am – Evening
Where: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St. West, Toronto
The Indigenous Legacy Gathering at Nathan Phillips Square by the Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre celebrates cultural diversity.
Native Child & Family Services Annual Pow Wow
When: October 1, 2022, 6:00am – 5:00pm
Where: Dufferin Grove Park, 875 Dufferin Street, Toronto
Back in person again this year, the 25th Annual Community Pow Wow includes a sunrise ceremony, lots of dancing, vendors, food and giveaways.
National Day of Truth and Reconciliation Day at the Toronto Zoo
When: September 30, 2022, 9:30am – 4:30pm
Where: Toronto Zoo, 2000 Meadowvale Road, Toronto
The Toronto Zoo is offering complimentary admission on September 30th to Indigenous Peoples and hosting programming throughout the day in partnership with Native Child & Family Services of Toronto, including traditional smudging, singing, drumming and storytelling.
Forever Fest
When: September 30 – October 2, 2022, Friday 4:30-11:00pm, Saturday 1:00-10:00pm, Sunday 12-8:00pm
Where: Maple Leaf Forever Park, 62 Laing Street, Toronto
Forever Fest is an all-Canadian cultural event with local food, music concerts and family entertainment, in support of national and Indigenous-led charitable organization The Legacy of Hope Foundation.
“Commemorate Truth & Reconciliation”
When: September 30, 2022, 8:00pm
Where: Royal Conservatory of Music, 273 Bloor Street West, Toronto
Co-curated by Denise Bolduc, Sarain Fox, and Mervon Mehta, this free event honours the lives and knowledge of Indigenous people through music.
Sunset Ceremony at Kempton Howard Park
When: September 30, 2022, 6:30pm
Where: Kempton Howard Park, 150 Blake Street, Toronto
Blake Street Public School hosts a community sunset ceremony to observe Truth & Reconciliation Day. Donations will be collected to honour the Dancers, Drummers, Knowledge Keepers and medicines.
Truth & Reconciliation Day Community Event at Hillcrest Park
When: September 30, 2022, 10:00am – 2:00pm
Where: Hillcrest Park, 950 Davenport Road, Toronto
Na-Me-Res (Native Men’s Residence) hosts an event to honour the Children who never returned home and the Survivors. There will be a sacred fire, teachings, food, crafts and closing drums.
Greater Toronto Area
Christine Friday In Person
When: September 30, 2022, 8:00pm
Where: Oakville Centre, AEG Liebherr Auditorium, 130 Navy Street, Oakville
Join Christine Friday for the documentary dance film “Path Without End”, then the live dance piece “Firewater Thunderbird Rising”.
National Day of Truth and Reconciliation at the Rose Brampton
When: September 30, 2022, 7:00-9:00pm
Where: Rose Theatre, 1 Theatre Lane, Brampton
The Rose Theatre hosts an evening of commemoration and conversation, featuring remarks by Chief Laforme and keynote speech by Jody Wilson-Raybould.
National Day of Truth and Reconciliation at Spencer Smith Park
When: September 30, 2022, 4:00-7:00pm
Where: Spencer Smith Park, 1400 Lakeshore Road, Burlington
The City of Burlington provides free space within the park for groups to set up their own displays, interactive events, or information booths.
Walk to Remember the Children
When: September 30, 2022, 12:00 and 4:00pm
Where: Country Heritage Park, 8560 Tremaine Road, Milton
Join the Grandmother’s Voice community to walk in honour of the children and the healing of our nation.
Online
The Adventures of Jay and Gizmo with Kristi White
When: September 29, 2022, 2:00-3:00pm
The Idea Exchange hosts a free online discussion with children’s literature author Kristi White about her book series The Adventures of Jay and Gizmo.
Mistatim Reimagined: A Collaboration with Red Sky Performance
When: September 30 – October 2, 2022, All day
“Mistatim Reimagined” is a digital reimagining of Red Sky Performance’s award-winning play, created in association with Crow’s Theatre and in collaboration with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO). Originally conceived as a stage play for young audiences, it is a meaningful story about reconciliation that is cross-generational, and that all people, regardless of age or background, will find impactful.
Truth and Reconciliation Week 2022
When: September 26-30, 2022
The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation at the University of Manitoba hosts a national program open to all schools across Canada with the theme of “Remembering the Children”. On September 30, students will be able to view a live televised broadcast for Orange Shirt Day from their homes.
