Marking the third National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 30 marks the third National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It’s a day to honour the children who never came home from residential schools, and the survivors.

It’s a day to acknowledge and learn from the history of this country now known as Canada, so we can work for a more just present.

If you’re looking for a way to mark the occasion in the Ottawa area or online, here are some suggestions:

Join the conversation on truth and reconciliation

Sept. 28 – Oct. 1, daily, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; until 7 p.m. on Thursday

At the Canadian Museum of History write, draw or colour on the cards provided to express what you aspire to learn, or do, to contribute to conversations on truth and reconciliation. Visitors’ reflections will be displayed in the main lobby to spark conversation and dialogue on the diverse perspectives of reconciliation. Participants can also bring their cards with them or make their own buttons to wear, using material provided by the museums. The button-making activity will be offered on September 30 only.

Free admission on Sept. 30, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Must reserve your timed ticket in advance.

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Remembering the Children at Parliament Hill

Commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. Join in-person at noon EDT on Parliament Hill, in Ottawa (West Block lawn), to memorialize the children lost to the residential school system and honour Survivors and their families. A live broadcast will begin at 1 p.m. EDT on APTN and other supporting broadcasters. 

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Reconciling History Walking Tours (Beechwood Cemetery and downtown Ottawa)

The Caring Society, in partnership with Assembly of Seven Generations (A7G) and Beechwood Cemetery, invite you to join Reconciling History walking tours through Beechwood Cemetery and Downtown Ottawa. 

At Beechwood, the walking tour takes people to view plaques marking the final resting places of key figures in the residential school system while learning about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's 94 Calls to Action. These tours are available in French and English.

Downtown, the tours are an opportunity to learn about the role of non-Indigenous people and the federal government in residential schools and the lessons we can glean from history to address contemporary injustices experienced by Indigenous peoples. Available in English only and will be approximately 90 minutes long. Downtown tour options are available on Sept. 30 and Oct. 2.

For full activities and to register

Film Festival for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (in-person and online)

The Ottawa Public Library welcomes you to a thought-provoking day-long film festival, presented in partnership with the National Film Board of Canada, on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Join the Ottawa Public Library on Sept. 30, online via Zoom or at one of our seven open branches, on a cinematic journey centered around the theme of residential schools that explores the rich tapestry of Indigenous history, culture and the path towards reconciliation. 

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Online programming

CBC is marking the third National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Saturday, Sept. 30 with an extensive lineup of Indigenous-led original programming showcasing First Nations, Métis and Inuit perspectives and experiences.

Learn more

For the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30, Inter Pares is inviting waged workers who have the capacity to do so to donate one day’s wages to Indigenous organizations or individuals that are promoting Indigenous rights and wellbeing.

This year, Inter Pares staff are donating to five organizations. Learn more.