National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2025
Each year, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.
September 30th marks the fourth National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and an important day for all of us. This day provides an opportunity to recognize and commemorate the harmful legacy of residential schools. We encourage you to make time for discussion, for learning, or participation in local events to bring further awareness and relationship building with Indigenous community members. We’ve included a list of resources and events around the city. HSCA will be closed for programming and operations on Tuesday, September 30, 2025.
Resources
There is support available to anyone who has been directly or indirectly impacted by residential schools.
Indian Residential School Survivors Society: Toll-Free Line 1 800 721 0066
24-Hour National Crisis Line: 1 866 925 4419
First Nations & Inuit Hope for Wellness: Help Line 1 855 242 3310
The Calgary Public Library- for resources and information on Truth & Reconciliation on your learning journey.
National Film Board's (NFB) Indigenous Cinema page- check out NFB’s collection of Indigenous-made films.
The Calgary Foundation’s Indigenous Ally Toolkit- information and resources to support your reconciliation journey.
Calgary Events for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – September 26–30, 2025
Please visit the organizer’s website to verify details on events listed below.
Friday, September 26, 2025
Every Child Matters – Genesis Centre
Time: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Location: Genesis Centre Commons, 7555 Falconridge Blvd. NE
Details: Community gathering to honor Indigenous children and families, featuring cultural performances and speakers.
More info: https://www.calgary.ca/events/orange-shirt-day.html
Saturday, September 27, 2025
Spirit of Reconciliation – Southcentre Mall
Time: Various times throughout the day
Location: Southcentre Mall, 100 Anderson Rd SE
Details: Cultural storytelling, music, and performances celebrating Indigenous heritage.
More info: https://islengineering.com/local-events-for-national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation
Monday, September 29, 2025
Film Screening: Siksikakowan: The Blackfoot Man
Time: 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Central Library, 800 3 Street SE
Details: Screening of the film directed by Trevor Solway, exploring Blackfoot history and identity. Registration required.
More info: https://www.ucalgary.ca/indigenous/orange-shirt-day
Tuesday, September 30, 2025 – National Day for Truth & Reconciliation
City of Calgary – Orange Shirt Day Ceremony
Time: 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Location: The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland, 750 9 Avenue SE
Details: Opening blessing, remarks by city leaders, school board representatives, and Indigenous Elders. Everyone is encouraged to wear orange.
Heritage Park – Truth and Reconciliation: Together as One
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Heritage Park, 1900 Heritage Dr. SW
Details: Full day of storytelling, ceremony, Indigenous games, dance, and exhibits. Free admission for self-identified Indigenous visitors.
More info: https://heritagepark.ca/events/national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation/
Pokaiks Reconciliation Walk & Gathering
Time: Walk begins at 11:00 a.m.
Location: Starts at Peace Bridge → Contemporary Calgary
Details: Opening ceremonies, performances, artisans, and activities.
More info: https://www.familyfuncanada.com/calgary/national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation/
Werklund Centre – NDTR Programming
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. (various)
Location: Werklund Centre, Arts Commons
Details: Gallery tours, Indigenous makers market, Pow Wow showcase, artist talks, and Elders Story Project.
More info: https://islengineering.com/local-events-for-national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation
The Road to Truth – Stardale Women’s Group
Time: 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Location: Grace Presbyterian Church Sanctuary, 1009 15 Avenue SW
Details: Evening of film, stories, and reflection with Elders and storytellers.
More info: https://islengineering.com/local-events-for-national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation
Please note that HSCA will be closed on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, for programming and operations.
Orange Shirt Day
Both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day take place on September 30.
Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day intended to raise awareness of the individual, family and community inter-generational impacts of residential schools, and to promote the concept of “Every Child Matters”. The orange shirt is a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations.
On September 30, we encourage all Canadians to wear orange to honour the thousands of Survivors of residential schools.
If you are looking to purchase an orange shirt, you’ll want to ensure that the retailer you chose is sending all profits to the Orange Shirt Society or another Indigenous organization. Unfortunately, some retailers are taking advantage of the opportunity to sell orange shirts and are doing so at their own profit. Moonstone Creations is a great local, Indigenous owned business and they have shirts in stock!