National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2025
On September 30, we recognize the harm done to children who attended Indian Residential Schools, over 150,000 of them, many of whom did not return. We also take this day to acknowledge the lasting impacts on families and communities. Residential schools were not a distant tragedy. The last school in B.C. was closed in 1983, and the last one in Canada was closed in 1996. You may have Indigenous neighbours, colleagues or even family members who were forced to attend. If not, their parents, siblings or other close relatives were likely taken.
Publicly recognizing the tragedy of Residential Schools is an important step toward reconciliation. We take this day to acknowledge the generational trauma and hardships experienced by Residential School survivors and their families. We also take this day to honour survivors who demonstrate strength and resilience. Most importantly, we take this day to focus on action.
Please use this day wisely and intentionally. Reflect on how the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action are implemented in your work and consider what you can do to sincerely pursue Reconciliation. You will see a list of events and media below that often include cultural elements like dancing, art and food in addition to learning from Residential School survivors.
Former residential school students can call 1-866-925-4419 for emotional crisis referral services and information on other health supports from the Government of Canada.
The Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS) operates a 24-hour crisis line to provide urgent emotional support for Survivors, families, and Indigenous communities across British Columbia and beyond. Call 1 (800) 721-0066. https://www.irsss.ca/
KUU-US Crisis Line Society provides a 24-hour, province-wide Indigenous crisis line for Indigenous peoples in B.C.
- Adults/Elders (250-723-4050)
- Child/Youth (250-723-2040)
- Toll free (1-800-588-8717)
- Métis Line (1-833-638-4722)
Tsow-Tun-Le-Lum Substance Use and Trauma Treatment Centre provides urgent support for Indigenous peoples in B.C. at 1 (888) 403-3123
Mental health counselling and crisis support are also available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the Hope for Wellness hotline at 1-855-242-3310 or by online chat. https://www.hopeforwellness.ca/
About Orange Shirt Day
“I went to the Mission for one school year in 1973/1974. I had just turned 6 years old. I lived with my grandmother on the Dog Creek reserve. We never had very much money, but somehow my granny managed to buy me a new outfit to go to the Mission school. I remember going to Robinson’s store and picking out a shiny orange shirt. It had string laced up in front, and was so bright and exciting – just like I felt to be going to school!
When I got to the Mission, they stripped me, and took away my clothes, including the orange shirt! I never wore it again. I didn’t understand why they wouldn’t give it back to me, it was mine! The color orange has always reminded me of that and how my feelings didn’t matter, how no one cared and how I felt like I was worth nothing. All of us little children were crying and no one cared.”
-Phyllis Webstad
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR) and Orange Shirt Day are both on September 30. Wearing an orange shirt on September 30 is a good way to acknowledge the harmful legacy of residential schools on Indigenous children, their families and their communities.
Read more about Phyllis Webstad and Orange Shirt Day.
Another way to show support is to contribute to Indigenous-led programs and initiatives, including by checking that you purchase your shirt from an Indigenous organization. Consider supporting the Orange Shirt Society and/or making a financial contribution to the work of the Indian Residential Schools Survivors Society.
Events
Here are some of the opportunities in BC for connection, reflection and learning about Canada’s residential school system and its impacts.
Virtual
The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
September 22-26, 2025 | Online
The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation invites the public to join their daily Lunch and Learn sessions to “UN-learn the myths of colonial history in Canada”. These sessions are aimed at an adult audience and will have simultaneous English, French, and ASL interpretation. Expert speakers will present for 40-50 minutes, followed by a facilitated Q&A session.
Truth and Reconciliation Week Lunch and Learn webinars are presented through the support of Enbridge and the Canadian Public Health Association.
Remembering the Children: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation APTN
September 30, 2025 | Broadcast on APTN
To honour the fifth annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, APTN alongside the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, CBC, and the Algonquin Nation have partnered together to create a 90-minute multilingual program. The program seeks to honour Survivors and children who never made it home while delivering a safe environment for reconciliation. The program with feature reflections from Elders and Survivors as well as performances from Indigenous artists.
This program will broadcast live on APTN and APTN Languages, in addition to partnering Canadian broadcasters.
Kamloops
Orange Shirt Motorcycle Run Truth & Reconciliation Day 2025
September 30, 2025 | Kamloops Indian Residential School, 330 Chief Alex Thomas Way, Kamloops -Free-
All riders and rides are welcome to join in this event to honour the Indigenous children who were sent to residential schools. The ride will begin at 9:00 am starting at the Kamloops Indian Residential School, and will ride a route through East Shuswap Road, Highway 1 to Sicamous, ending at Tkemlups Arbour. Drivers assume all risks and are accountable to following the rules of the road.
“A Good Journey” 2 Day Traditional Pow Wow
September 27-28 | Chief Alex Thomas Way, Kamloops -Free-
The Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society Pow Wow will be hosting their second traditional powwow across two days. Grand Entries begin at 1:00 p.m. both days and feature free camping, drumming, and more. Contact Bearpaw 250-376-1296 ext. 123 for general inquiries.
Kelowna
Truth and Reconciliation: (Un)learn with Kelowna Museums
September 30, 2025 | Okanagan Heritage Museum, 488 Bernard Avenue, Kelowna -By donation-
Join the Okanagan Heritage Museum for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th for an all-ages guided experience to help you learn about the history and culture of the syilx people, pre-colonization and post. A hands-on activity will be done, and participants will create a keepsake.
For more information, please contact education@kelownamuseums.ca or 250-868-4836.
Metro Vancouver
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: Empowering Voices Through Art
September 30, 2025 | 1120 Brunette Avenue, Coquitlam, BC -Free-
This free event is centred around building a better community through art. Led by Indigenous artists and educators Christine Mackenzie and Nova Weipert, this event will also feature books from the Coquitlam Public Library and will conduct a small craft activity. The event will open with former Kwikwetlem chief Ed Hall who will lead a smudging ceremony and welcoming.
There are two workshop times: 1:00-2:30 p.m. and 3:00-4:00 p.m.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2025 (Maple Ridge)
September 28, 2025 | Memorial Peace Park, 11930 224 Street, Maple Ridge -Free-
This year’s event theme is “Walking Together: A Journey of Unity and Healing” and will begin at 9:30 a.m. Hosted by Katzie First Nation and PLEA Community Services, this event will feature an opening march, Indigenous guest speakers, cultural performances, orange shirt painting, and over 50 Indigenous and local vendors. Motivational speaker and hip-hop artist K.A.S.P. will also perform, with the event closing at 3:00 p.m.
Truth and Reconciliation Day: NFB Film Screenings
September 30, 2025 | Museum of Vancouver -By Donation-
The Museum of Vancouver and the National Film Board partnered to screen 2 films by Indigenous directors on September 30, 2025. The first screening is WaaPake (Tomorrow) directed by Dr. Jules Arita Koostachin, which is a documentary about the experience of residential school Survivors and explores themes of truth, freedom, and power.
The Second screening is Our People Will Be Healed by Alanis Obomsawin. This film is about the Helen Betty Osborne Ininiw Education Resource Centre in Norway House, north of Winnipeg. The Cree community there has been enriched through education, developing both their abilities as students, and pride for their ancestry.
Medicine bundles for healing will be available, and all donation proceeds go to the Indian Residential Schools Survivors Society.
Walk for Truth and Reconciliation (White Rock)
September 30, 2025 | Grand Chief Bernard Robert Charles Memorial Plaza, 15400 Marine Drive, White Rock -Free-
The Semiahmoo First Nation welcomes everyone to join the 5th Annual Walk for Truth and Reconciliation at 11:00am. The event will feature keynote speaker Gordon Hogg, performances by Métis and Two Spirit singer Norine Braun, Kwel Eng Sen Dancers, Indigenous vendors, and complimentary lunch.
Prince George
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2025
September 30, 2025 | Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park, 17th Avenue, Prince George -Free-
Lheidli T’enneh welcomes all members of the community to join in honouring Survivors and the children who didn’t make it home on September 30, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This event will feature a reading of the 94 Calls To Action, all ages activities and Reconciliation Walk, followed by a ceremony and celebration of culture. Drumming for survivors and youths will close the event. Participants are asked to bring their drums and wear orange.
Prince Rupert
Day for Truth and Reconciliation
September 30, 2025 | Cultural Centre -Free-
The All Nations Lax Kxeen Society in Prince Rupert is hosting an event on September 30th, 2025 to honour those who attended residential and day schools, and those who never made it home. The event prioritizes Survivors first, and welcomes participants to bring a friend as well as welcomes the general public. Refreshments are provided and everyone is encouraged to wear orange. Local dance groups will perform, and drums will be created and played at the event.
The event begins at 3:00 p.m. Contact Sabrina Clifton for support:
Phone: 250-627-1595 ext:222 Email: sabrina@gitmaxmakay.ca
Vancouver Island
4th Annual South Island Powwow
September 30, 2025 | Royal Athletic Park, 1014 Caledonia Ave, Victoria, BC -Free-
The annual South Island Powwow is hosted by the Songhees Nation and welcomes everyone to join. Gates open at 10:00 a.m. with Grand Entry at 12:00 p.m., with free admission. The South Island Powwow is an opportunity to honour survivors and their family, as well as celebrate traditional Indigenous culture and resiliency through song and dance.
‘Indian Horse’ Film Screening
September 25, 2025 | Isabelle Reader Theatre, Langford
September 29, 2025 | Edward Milne Community School, Sooke
Part of a month-long series of programs, the film ‘Indian Horse’ will be played at Isabelle Reader Theatre in Langford on September 25th, and Edward Milne Community School in Sooke on September 29th. The screening is from 6-9 p.m. on both dates and will be followed by an artist talk and Q&A with Bruce “Giizhik” Barry. He will also host a book signing and creative session for reflection.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Sooke)
September 30 | John Phillips Memorial Park, 2201 Otter Point Road, Sooke -Free-
This community-wide outdoor gathering honours Survivors through ceremony, art, stories, and shared learning. The event begins with a healing walk at 12:00 p.m. at 2008 Murray Road where folks will travel to John Phillips Memorial Park. An Indigenous welcome and land acknowledgement begins at 1 p.m., followed by vendors and family activities from 1:00-3:00 p.m. At 1:45 Shelly Davies leads a memorial ceremony and art mural, then there will be cultural performances and storytelling from 2:00-3:30 p.m. The event will close at 4:00 p.m. with a closing circle and gratitude ceremony.
Organizers ask that you show support by wearing orange.
5th annual Orange Shirt Day Walk and Celebration
September 30, 2025 | Maht Mahs Gym, 5000 Mission Road, Port Alberni -Free-
The walk begins at 10:00 AM and marks the 52nd year that the Alberni Indian residential school has closed. The walk is going from Maht Mahs to the Athletic Hall. Parking is at the Athletic Hall, and a shuttle will take you to the gym between 7:50 AM and 9:30 AM. There will be a celebration from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Athletic Hall. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Williams Lake
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Celebration
September 30, 2025 | Xatśūll Heritage Village
Xatśūll Nation is hosting a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation event from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This is an all-ages event that will feature activities including Indigenous arts and crafts, bouncy castles, mini golf, and a smudging ceremony, with lunch provided. They encourage people to wear an orange shirt which can be purchased at Kit and Caboodle at 83A Second Avenue in Williams Lake, who will donate profits from the sales.
More
For more events, visit the B.C. government's list here.
Resources and Support
Videos
"Honour to Senator Murray Sinclair"
"Namwayut: we are all one. Truth and reconciliation in Canada | Canada is …"
