The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is on September 30, 2025. It is a day of public awareness and commemoration of the painful history of residential schools in Canada. This day is also meant to educate about the rich cultural traditions of Indigenous Peoples across Canada and in local communities.
Events will be added throughout September as information becomes available. Know of an event happening in your community? Email vancouver@familyfuncanada.com and we will add it to the list.
Truth and Reconciliation Events:
Stalew Pow Wow | September 12-14
Bring your family to experience the rich Indigenous history and culture at the annual Stɑl̓əw̓ Pow Wow at the Langley Events Center. The aim of this 3-day event is to celebrate Indigenous culture, music, dance, art, and regalia. All families are welcome to attend and learn the important role tradition plays and how these traditions define Indigenous culture.
Come Toward the Fire Workshops and Presentations | September 20 & 21
A partnership between The Chan Centre for the Performing Arts and Musqueam, this family-friendly event celebrates Indigenous creativity, culture and community. There will be Indigenous vendors, food trucks, community presenters, film screenings, and cultural performances and workshops. Entrance to the events on Saturday are FREE, but select concerts and workshops require tickets.
The Legacy of the Salish Woolly Dog | September 27
Join Squamish Nation ethnobotanist and cultural educator Senaqwila Wyss for a powerful talk on the sacred Salish Woolly Dog, once raised with ceremonial care for its wool. She reveals how colonial violence caused the breed’s extinction through intergenerational knowledge and highlights Indigenous resilience, weaving revitalization and cultural resurgence.
Community Truth and Reconciliation in Maple Ridge | September 28
The community is invited to Memorial Peace Park on September 28th for a day of reflection, learning and community connection. Hosted by Katzie First Nation and PLEA Community Services, families will hear Indigenous guest speakers, witness cultural performances, visit over 50 Indigenous and local vendors/artisans, and participate in community art projects.
Finding Your Voice | September 30
Indigenous artists and educators Christine Mackenzie and Nova Weipert will lead families through discussion and a community-building art activity. The event is free, but pre-registration is required.
Grandview Park Truth & Reconciliation Event | September 30
This year’s event theme is “Honouring the Past, Healing the Present, Inspiring the Future”. Begin with an Honour Walk at 10:00 AM from the Vancouver Aboriginal Community Policing Centre to Grandview Park, followed by cultural and contemporary performances, a sacred fire, and an Indigenous market. Everyone is encouraged to bring their drums and wear orange in solidarity.
Noons Creek Hatchery Truth and Reconciliation Event | September 30
Join Noons Creek Hatchery on Tuesday, September 30, at 10am for a special National Day for Truth and Reconciliation gathering, featuring guest speaker Manuel Axel Strain, a 2-Spirit artist from the Musqueam, Simpcw, and Syilx peoples. Together with PoMoArts’ collaborative art activity Fabric of Healing, the community will weave natural materials into a shared artwork that reflects learning, connection, and reconciliation.
Stetís ímexstowx – Walk Beside Us | September 30
“Walk Beside Us” invites the community to gather at Thunderbird Square and Civic Plaza for a day of learning, reflection, and shared understanding about Truth and Reconciliation and the history of Residential Schools. The event features scheduled performances and activities alongside drop-in stations.
Truth and Reconciliation at MONOVA | Sept. 30
On September 30, MONOVA invites visitors of all ages to honour the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation with a day of cultural learning and reflection led by Indigenous Cultural Programmers Jordan Dawson and Tsawaysia Spukwus. Families can take part in hands-on activities, crafts, storytelling, drumming, singing, and guided gallery tours while exploring the history of Indigenous rights and the significance of Orange Shirt Day.
UBC Intergenerational March | September 30
Members of the UBC community, families, and those in solidarity are welcome to participate in this event. The march is intergenerational and aims to be educational and supportive to the Indigenous community on campus and beyond. Educational activities will allow younger participants to connect with the original inhabitants of the land and plant a seed to continue these conversations of a difficult era in Canadian history at home. No fees or registration required.
Voices of Our Children | September 30
Join Spirit of the Children for a day of learning, walking together as a community, and witnessing performances and speakers. Celebrate culture with a powwow, artisan vendors, and an Indigenous foods showcase.
