Friday September 30th is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day. This day honours survivors of residential schools and remembers children who were victims of this tragic system. Learn, listen, and support Indigenous Peoples through these community events.
2nd Annual Orange Shirt Day Run/Walk – Every Child Matters | 3:00pm – 6:00pm, Kinsmen Park
Run/walk to raise awareness about residential schools with this event, which will raise funds for OrangeShirtDay.org, Bear Clan Patrol YEG, and Indigenous Youth Sports Scholarships. Although registration for this run has closed, head down to Kinsmen park this weekend to show your support.
Root for Trees – National Day for Truth & Reconciliation – Plant Giveaway | 11:00am – 3:00pm, Kinsmen Park
Turtle Island Edmonton has partnered up with Root for Trees, Edmonton’s volunteer tree planting initiative. They will be giving away 1500 native species of several plants this Friday to honour the intergenerational survivors of Residential Schools.
Indigihauz: Spirit of Giving | 8:00pm, Evolution Wonderlounge
Indigi-Hauz of Beaver Hills and Evolution Wonderlounge are bringing awareness to Orange Shirt Day through the art of drag. Featuring performances from several local drag artists, this event is a celebration of Indigenous strength, resilience, and beauty! All event proceeds go to the Bear Clan.
Calling Our Spirits Back | 7:30am – 10:00pm, Boyle Street Plaza
Hosted by the Indigenous Congress of Alberta Association, this event features a sunrise pipe ceremony and an afternoon of conversations. In addition, join the ICAA for an evening feast and round dance.
The Forgotten People Film Screening and Commemoration | 6:00pm, Shell Theatre
The City of Fort Saskatchewan and the Shell Theatre will be screening The Forgotten People, produced by the Métis Nation of Alberta, followed by a Q&A and dance performances. This film engages with Métis experiences of the Albertan residential school system by telling the stories of several survivors.
Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society – National Day for Truth & Reconciliation | 1:00 – 4:00, virtual
Although this event is at capacity for in-person attendance, you can still participate in this day of learning virtually. Residential school survivors will share their experiences and there will also be a performance from artist and motivational speaker Dallas Arcand Jr..
Additionally, individuals are encouraged to source their orange shirts from a variety of local Indigenous creators and organizations. Samson Native Gallery, First Peoples’ House, and Beadwork & Bannock at TIX on the Square all have orange shirts available for purchase. You can also check out our list of Indigenous-owned businesses in Edmonton for more opportunities to support Indigenous makers.
Additional resources: National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, City of Edmonton’s Truth Telling & Teaching video series, Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action.
