Each year on September 30, Canada observes the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honour the Indigenous children who never returned home from residential schools and to recognize the survivors, their families and communities. This date, marking the time of year when children were historically taken from their homes, serves as a reminder of the ongoing impacts of the residential school system and the need for continued education, reflection and accountability.
This day also marks Orange Shirt Day, honouring Survivor Phyllis Webstad’s story of having her new orange shirt taken from her on her first day at residential school – now a symbol of the cultural loss and trauma experienced by Indigenous children.
We encourage our community to reflect on the significance of this day, wear an orange shirt and to participate in one of the local events listed below. Together, by learning, listening and participating, we can take meaningful steps towards reconciliation.
“Siksikakowan: The Blackfoot Man” film screening at the Central Library
Sept 29 | 6pm – 8:30pm | Central Library | Free (registration required)
On September 29 and 30, UCalgary’s Office of Indigenous Engagement will have a free viewing of the film Skisikakowan: The Blackfoot Man.
Orange Shirt Day at The Confluence
Sept 30 | 9am – 10:30am | The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland | Free
Attend presentations from the Mayor, Indigenous Elders and school board representatives at The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland. Wearing orange is encouraged to show support and honour the children who never returned from residential schools.
Pokaiks Reconciliation Walk
Sept 30 | 11am – 5:30pm | Peace Bridge, Contemporary Calgary | Free
Join the annual Pokaiks ‘The Children’ Commemorative Walk and Gathering, hosted by the Pokaiks Reconciliation Society, to honour Indigenous children. Following the walk, the afternoon will feature Indigenous performances, storytelling, workshops, artisan showcases and family-friendly activities at Contemporary Calgary.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Heritage Park
Sept 30 | 10am – 3:00pm | Heritage Park | Free for individuals who self-identify as Indigenous | $15 for all other attendees
Join Heritage Park for a powerful day of learning and reflection on the journey of reconciliation. This year’s event features thoughtful programming throughout the park.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Werklund Centre
Sept 30 | 11am – 9:30pm | Jack Singer Concert Hall | Free (registration required)
The Werklund Centre will honour residential school survivors and celebrate Indigenous ways of knowing and being through diverse programming, including an Art Galleries Tour and Artist Talk, an Indigenous Makers Market & Pow Wow Showcase, the immersive sound experience Echoes of the Land, and the Elders Story Project, an evening during which Elders share their stories of residential schools and healing journeys.
“We Are All Treaty People” at The Confluence
Sept 30 | 12:30pm, 2:30pm, 6:30pm | The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland | Free (registration required)
The Confluence is partnering with Quest Theatre to mark 150 years since the North-West Mounted Police arrived at the Bow and Elbow Rivers, presenting We Are All Treaty People — a play where a Trickster guides two girls, one Indigenous and one non-Indigenous, through the story of Treaty 7 and its lasting impact.
Speak Up! Exhibition and The Power of Music in Reconciliation at Studio Bell
Sept 30 | 10am – 5:00pm | Studio Bell | Free
Explore the Speak Up! exhibition, showcasing trailblazing Indigenous voices in music through storytelling, audio, and artifacts that highlight how Indigenous artists are reshaping the Canadian narrative of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit identity. At 1:00 p.m., join a panel discussion with Rex Smallboy, Curt Young, and Wendy Walker on the power of music in reconciliation, followed by a performance.
A conversation with National Chief Cindy Woodhouse
November 6 | 11:30am – 1:30pm | BMO Center
On October 1, join the Calgary Chamber for a keynote luncheon and fireside chat featuring an address from Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations. This discussion will highlight the role of First Nations and communities in nation-building projects, the role of industry in the path forward toward meaningful economic reconciliation, and next steps on the repatriation of the Manitou Stone to First Nations People.
E-learning opportunity: 4 Seasons of Reconciliation
Ongoing | Online | Free
4 Seasons of Reconciliation provides the foundational knowledge on the relationship between Canada, Indigenous Peoples, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC). It promotes a renewed relationship between Indigenous Peoples and Canadians through transformative learning about truth and reconciliation.
Angela Sterritt Presentation
September 30 | 12:30pm – 1:45pm | Eckhardt-Gramatté Hall, UCalgary, and livestreamed | Free
The Confluence is excited to partner with Quest Theatre and offer public performances of the play “We Are All Treaty People”. This play is being offered as part of an event series The Confluence is hosting to commemorate 150 years since the North-West Mounted Police (NWMP) first arrived at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow Rivers and established Fort Calgary in 1875.
Indigenous Makers Market & Pow Wow Showcase
September 30 | 11:00am – 5pm | Jack Singer Concert Hall Lobby | Free
Love arts markets? Well, you’re really going to love this one! Join us in the lobby of the Jack Singer Concert Hall at Werklund Centre for a celebration of Indigenous art and culture at the Indigenous Makers Market, curated by Authentically Indigenous. The Makers Market will feature the creations of Indigenous artists and artisans from around Treaty 7 and beyond, as well as performances by Indigenous dancers and drummers during a mini Pow Wow showcase.
Werklund Centre Gallery Talks & Tours
September 30 | 12:00pm, 1:00pm, 2:00pm | Werklund Centre Gallery – Centre Court | Free
The Confluence is excited to partner with Quest Theatre and offer public performances of the play “We Are All Treaty People”. This play is being offered as part of an event series The Confluence is hosting to commemorate 150 years since the North-West Mounted Police (NWMP) first arrived at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow Rivers and established Fort Calgary in 1875.
Echoes of the Land
September 30 | 5:30pm – 6:30pm | Engineered Air Theatre | Free
Produced by Ghost River Theatre, Echoes of the Land invites audiences to immerse themselves in a transcendent auditory journey rooted in the spirit and rhythms of the land. Led by drummer and vocalist Cedric Lightning, traditional drummer and knowledge keeper Skip Wolfleg, spoken word poet Alanna Bluebird, and multi-disciplinary musicians Kris Demeanor, Kenna Burima, and Tauran,this unique performance transcends traditional theatre.
Elders Story Project
September 30 | 7:30pm | Jack Singer Concert Hall | Free
For 2025, the Elders of the Elders Knowledge Circle Society (EKCS) have decided to change the format of the Elders Story Project (ESP) and broaden their knowledge sharing by inviting the audience to participate in a sacred ceremony. The first half of the event will involve a tea dance, pipe ceremony, and the honouring of a special guest in a Blackfoot naming ceremony.
