September marks the time of year when Indigenous children were forced to leave home to attend residential schools. Orange Shirt Day was a movement started by Survivor Phyllis Webstad to commemorate when her clothes, including her new orange shirt given to her by her grandmother, were taken away on her first day at St. Joseph’s Mission residential school in British Columbia. She was just six years old. Orange Shirt Day is now an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day honouring the lost children and survivors of residential schools, their families, and the resiliency of their communities.
The Government of Canada has proclaimed September 30 a federal statutory holiday, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, since 2021. This proclamation addresses one of the 94 calls to action of The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (https://nctr.ca/records/reports/): “We call upon the federal government, in collaboration with Aboriginal peoples, to establish, as a statutory holiday, a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honour survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.”
Events and resources available to observe and learn about the history behind the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation grow each year. Across the country, you can find public activities and gatherings organized to commemorate the history and legacy of residential schools.
National Broadcast: In honour of the fourth annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR), APTN, the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, CBC/Radio-Canada and the Algonquin Nation have united to produce a 90-minute multilingual commemorative gathering, entitled Remembering the Children: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The live National broadcast will begin at 1pm SK (3pm EDT) on September 30, 2025.
SaskMusic offices will be closed on September 30 to allow our staff time to engage in NDTR events and resources.
These are just a few of the events happening around our province. We encourage you to take time to participate.
REGINA
Annual Smudge Walk & Late Tony Cote Welcome Back Powwow
Regina FNU Campus
September 22, 8:00AM–4:00PM
https://mcos.ca/
“Please join us to honour Indian Residential School Survivors and to honour those that did not make it home. FNUniv Regina Campus invites you all to join us for our annual Sudge Walk and for the late Tony Cote Welcome back Powwow” (Source: First Nations University of Canada)
Mackenzie Art Gallery
Rawlco Radio Free Admission Day: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2025
3475 Albert St. Regina
September 30, 11:00 AM–5:30PM
https://mackenzie.art/event/rawlco-radio-free-admission-day-national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation-2025/
“Join us to honour the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation through an afternoon of art and dialogue. Enjoy free admission, hourly tours of ‘Indian Theater: Native Performance, Art, and Self-Determination since 1909, and create a visual manifesto in our studios. Help us imagine the world we want to live in and think about how we can contribute to that vision.” (source: Mackenzie Art Gallery)
Nelson Bird: Media and Reconciliation
Regina Public Library
September 30, 12:00–1:00PM
https://www.reginalibrary.ca/
“Join us for an inspiring event led by keynote speaker Nelson Bird, a respected journalist, educator, and member of the Peepeekisis Cree Nation. In his presentation, “Truth, Reconciliation, and the Media – Nelson Bird’s Experiences”, he will reflect on the meaning of Truth and Reconciliation / Orange Shirt Day from his personal perspective, sharing observations he has witnessed throughout his life.” (Source: Regina Public Library)
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Network - Orange Shirt Day
mâmawêyatitân centre, 3355 6th Ave. Regina
September 30, 9:00AM–2:00PM
https://www.saskculture.ca/
Pipe ceremony, program, lunch provided.
"We are gathering at the mâmawêyatitân centre at 9:00 am for Pipe Ceremony, the program begins at 10:30 am and Lunch is provided at 12:30 pm."
(Source: Sask Culture)
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Regina Event “Resiliency of IRS Survivors”
September 30, 2-4pm
Regina Seniors Centre – 2404 Elphinstone Street, Regina
Program and stories, concluding with a Round Dance at 4pm.
https://archregina.sk.ca/event/national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation-regina-event/
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation/Orange Shirt Day
September 30, 10am-4pm
Royal Saskatchewan Museum, Regina
Video presentation by reserved seating; drop in activities throughout the day.
https://royalsaskmuseum.ca/
Circle Project Honour Walk
September 30, 10am-1pm
City Square Plaza / Victoria Park, Regina
https://www.circleproject.ca/
Sacred Heart Centre Truth & Reconciliation Awareness event
September 30, 11am
1102 Angus Street, Regina
Shoes will be placed on their fence as a memorial to honour and remember those affected by Residential schools.
SASKATOON
Every Child Matters Pow Wow 2025 - Saskatoon Tribal Council
Sasktel Centre: 101-3515 Thatcher Ave, Saskatoon
September 28, 29, 30
https://sktc.sk.ca/events/
Wanuskewin: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
RR #4 Penner Road. Saskatoon
September 30. 9:30AM-5:00PM
https://wanuskewin.com/
“Our gathering for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation will feature a full day of healing programming and reflective activities, designed to bring the community together in this sacred gathering place.” (Source: Wanuskewin)
Orange Shirt Day at Cosmo Civic Centre
3130 Laurier Drive, Saskatoon
September 26, 9:30AM-3:30PM
https://www.facebook.com/
“In honour of Residential school survivors, their families, and those who never made it home, an Orange Shirt Day event will be held at Cosmo Civic Centre. Activities include a community barbecue, arts & crafts, recreational activities, entertainment, stories from Survivors and round dance to end the day. There will also be a tree to hang orange hearts on. Everyone welcome!” (Source: Confederation Park Community Association Saskatoon)
Orange Shirt Day Run/Walk/Every Child Matters
River Landing, Spadina Crescent East, Saskatoon
September 30, from 8:30AM
https://raceroster.com/
“2nd Annual Run/Walk in Saskatoon to honour our little ancestors who did not survive the Residential school era and in support and solidarity for the survivors who fight every day for healing and justice. […] This will be a trail run through the beautiful Meewasin Trail starting at Victoria Bridge and includes three distances of 5 & 10km and an Elder & Kids 2.15km walk/run” *SEE LINK TO REGISTER* (Source: Race Roster)
Orange Ribbon Tribute
Métis Nation – Saskatchewan Downtown Office,
310 20th St E. Saskatoon
September 30, 1:00–3:00PM
https://www.facebook.com/
“Métis Nation–Saskatchewan invites you to gather with us for an Orange Ribbon Tribute at our Saskatoon downtown office. Together we will share bannock and tea, listen to music, and take time for reflection and conversation. This is a day for community. A day to listen. A day to remember.” (Source: Métis Nation – Saskatchewan Facebook Page)
Additional Events from City of Saskatoon:
https://www.saskatoon.ca/
PRINCE ALBERT
Prince Albert Grand Council – When Time Heals…
1511 9th Ave West. PAGC Cultural Centre, Prince Albert
September 30, 10:00AM–5:00PM
https://www.facebook.com/
“Join us as we honour the lives, voices, and futures of Indigenous children at “When Time Heals”, hosted by PAGC Health & Social Development.” (Source: PA Carlton Events)
P.A. Historical Museum National Day of Truth and Reconciliation
10 River Street East, Prince Albert
September 30, 9:00AM–4:00PM
https://www.saskculture.ca/
“Free Admission to the Prince Albert Historical Museum on September 30, 2025, in honour of the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. Wear orange to express your support for the residential school survivors and for those children who didn’t come home.” (Source: Sask Culture)
National Day for Truth & Reconciliation
North Sask River Nation Métis Local 269, 435 13th Street East, Prince Albert
September 27, 11:00AM–3:00PM
https://www.facebook.com/
“Join us on September 27th for a day of reflection. […] Activities, BBQ, Everyone Welcome!” (Source: North Sask. River Métis Local 269 Facebook Group)
NORTH BATTLEFORD
Truth and Reconciliation Feast
Don Ross Hall
September 26, 12:00PM
https://www.facebook.com/
Truth and Reconciliation Round Dance
Don Ross Hall
September 26, 2025, 6:00PM
https://www.facebook.com/atoskewinsuccesscentre/
MGBHLM Reconciliation Event
The Ridge
October 1, 2025, 10:30AM
https://www.facebook.com/
“Join us at the Ridge for our annual reconciliation day events. Walk the Ridge Free BBQ, and Mini Round Dance!” (Source: MGBHLM Facebook Page)
OTHER SASKATCHEWAN
Biggar - National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
St. Gabriel School. 115 8th Ave. E. Biggar
September 27, 10:00AM–5:00PM
https://culturedays.ca/en/
“Our event on September 27th will be to honour Residential School Survivors and to remember those who never returned home. We will start with an honour and remembrance walk. We will have a Metis entertainer, a trade show, an Elder's area where they can visit and have snacks and tea, as well as Cool Castles Bouncy Castles for the children. We will also paint a white banner with orange handprints to put on display on September 30th. Food will be available for purchase.” (Source: Culture Days)
Humboldt - Walk for Reconciliation and Hoop Dance Performance by Terrance Littletent
Civic Park. 715 Main Street. Humboldt
September 28, 11:00AM–1:00PM
https://culturedays.ca/
“The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is held annually on September 30 in order to raise awareness about the destructive legacy of Residential Schools in Canada. Join us in observing this day on Sunday, September 28 with a Walk for Reconciliation from Civic Park to Westminster Hall. At the Hall, enjoy a Hoop Dance performance by one of Saskatchewan's foremost hoop dancers, Terrance Littletent. After the performance, we will gather in the hall to enjoy homemade Three Sisters soup.” (Source: Culture Days)
Moose Jaw - Moose Jaw Coop National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Temple Gardens Centre
September 30, 9:00AM-12:00PM
https://moosejaw.ca/
“[the event] will feature several Indigenous presenters from Treaty 4 Territory and area who will share their story or teaching. The event is free and open to everyone. This event is proudly planned in collaboration with several local organizations and businesses who share a commitment to answering the 94 Calls to Action.” (Source: City of Moose Jaw)
Melfort - Honouring Resiliency: A Community Gathering for National Truth and Reconciliation Day
Melfort & Unit Comprehensive Collegiate Track. 310 Park Avenue. Melfort
Monday September 29, 10:30AM–12:00PM
https://culturedays.ca/
“In-person event held at the MUCC track, followed by a walk to Main Street back to the high school, the gathering will include a presentation, round dance, and walk. Everyone welcome!!” (Source: Culture Days)
Pilot Butte - Truth & Reconciliation Gathering
Community Hall - Pilot Butte
September 30, 10am-12pm
Led by Evan Whitestar - smudging ceremony, prayer and presentation, and interactive activities.
Swift Current - Community Event Honouring National Day for Truth and Reconciliation / Orange Shirt Day
Market Square, Chaplin Street East, Swift Current
September 26, 11:30AM–1:00PM
https://www.tourismswiftcurrent.ca/
“Join us for a special day of culture & community! Experience blessings by Sylvia Thorburn, a land acknowledgement by Catherine Aguilar, flag hoisting & greetings from local leaders, drumming by Delvin Stanley of Nekaneet First Nation. This day will also include “Right the Story”, a powerful presentation by Dr. Zoey Roy, award-winning artist, activist and educator. Zoey is a proud member of the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, with roots in Black Lake Denesuline Nation and Green Lake, SK.” (Source: Tourism Swift Current)
Weyburn - Walk for Reconciliation: Treaty 4 Timeline and Tote Bag Creation
Credit Union Spark Centre. 540 5th Street. Weyburn
September 30, 1:00–3:00PM
https://culturedays.ca/
“Join us on September 30 for activities in recognition National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.” (Source: Culture Days)
ADDITIONAL EVENTS LISTED ON CULTURE DAYS
https://culturedays.ca/en/events?q=reconciliation
Additional Events from Sask Culture:
Additional Events from the Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan:
https://mcos.ca/
You can find great information and learning resources at National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation website.
