National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2025

September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day. This day honours the Survivors of residential schools, their families, and the children who never made it home. It is also a time to acknowledge the painful impacts of the residential school system and commit to meaningful action in support of reconciliation. 

This is not just a day of reflection; it is a call to action. By learning the truth, listening to Survivors, and supporting Indigenous communities, we can take steps toward reconciliation in our city, province and across the country. 

Local Events in Edmonton & Area

Throughout the month of September, and especially on September 30, government, universities, and community partners host events and gatherings to honour this day. These activities provide opportunities to learn, reflect, and take meaningful steps toward reconciliation. Wear an orange shirt (learn more about the origin of wearing an orange shirt on this day) and participate in activities around you. 

Some of these activities include: 

City of Edmonton & Government of Alberta Events

On September 30, the City of Edmonton will recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with a series of commemorative activities and displays:

• Flags at Edmonton City Hall lowered to half-mast
• Every Child Matters banners raised in Churchill Square
• City landmarks lit orange, including the High Level Bridge, Walterdale Bridge, City Hall, Muttart Conservatory, Commonwealth Stadium, Edmonton Tower, and Rossdale Power Plant
• Orange ribbons placed on City fleet vehicles
• City staff encouraged to wear orange shirts and pins
• Survivors’ Flag displayed at City Hall
• Lunchtime programming with local musicians and performers, in partnership with the Edmonton Arts Council (Sept 27 & 28)
• Crosswalk art re-painted near Kaskitayo Park
• Traffic control boxes re-wrapped in Indigenous artwork at Parsons Road & 23 Avenue and at 23 Avenue & 111 Street

In addition, City facilities are hosting special events:

• National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Edmonton Valley Zoo | September 30, 9am–4pm (Free entry for all self-declared Indigenous Peoples) 

• National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Muttart Conservatory | September 30, 10am–4pm (Free entry for all self-declared Indigenous Peoples) 

• National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Royal Alberta Museum | September 30, all day (Free with admission) 

The Government of Alberta will also host a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation gathering at the Kihciy Maskikiy/Aakaakmotaani Reconciliation Garden on Sept 30 from 2–3pm.

Community & Partner Events

• Tipi Visits at Edmonton Public Library – Stanley Milner Library | September 9-26, September 29-October 6

• Belcourt Brousseau Métis Awards – Edmonton Inn and Conference Centre | September 20, 3pm 

• Giving Back to the Streets – Boyle Street Plaza | September 20, noon–6pm 

• Truth First: Pretendians and the Effects on Community – MacEwan University, SAMU The Lookout | September 25, 1–3pm 

• Aboriginal Alert Gala – Courtyard by Marriott Edmonton West | September 25, 4–9pm 

• Orange Shirt Day Run & Walk with Roots for Trees Plant Giveaway – Kinsmen Park | September 28, noon–4pm 

• Community Day of Reconciliation: Every Child Matters – Borden Park | September 30 

• Indigenous Peoples Experience – Fort Edmonton Park | September 30, 9:30am–4pm (last entry 1pm) 

• National Day for Truth and Reconciliation –Telus World of Science, Edmonton | September 30, 8am-3pm (Free admission for Indigenous guests) 

• National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – City of St. Albert, Mission Park | September 30, noon–4pm 

• National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society | September 30, 8:30am–1:30pm 

• National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Government of Alberta, Kihciy Maskikiy/Aakaakmotaani Reconciliation Garden | September 30, 2-3pm 

Learn More & Take Action 

Beyond attending the numerous events outlined above, we encourage everyone to continually learn, reflect, and take action. Here are some resources to explore:

• National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) – Survivor testimonies, archives, and the Calls to Action 

• Orange Shirt Society – History of Orange Shirt Day and ways to get involved 

• Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action – 94 recommended actions for governments, institutions, and Canadians 

• CBC Indigenous – News, features, and cultural stories from Indigenous perspectives 

• Edmonton Public Library: Indigenous Resources – Books, programs, and learning opportunities 

• Homeward Trust Edmonton: Books by Indigenous Authors – Books written by Indigenous authors to encourage learning and reflection.

• University of Alberta: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Campus resources and supports 

• University of Alberta: Indigenous Canada Online Course – Free 12-lesson course exploring Indigenous histories and contemporary issues 

• MacEwan University: Education & Initiatives – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation programming and resources 

• Government of Alberta: Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Resources and activities

Support

If you or someone you know is in need of support, please reach out to one of the helplines below. Trained responders are available to provide help, guidance and a listening ear. 

Indian Residential School Crisis Line	1-866-925-4419 (toll-free)
First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness 24/7 Help Line	1-855-242-3310   Support can be provided in English, French, Ojibway, Cree and Inuktitut
Alberta Health Services Mental Health Help Line	1-877-303-2642 (toll-free)
Canadian Mental Health Association – 24-hour Distress Line	780-482-4357 (HELP)