On Monday, September 30, 2024 we reflect, commemorate, bereave and support our Indigenous community by recognizing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This federal statutory holiday will see government offices, schools, and many businesses closed to take time to honour the survivors, children, families and community of those who never returned home from residential schools.
Our public commemoration of these events is a key part of the reconciliation process. You can help recognize and honour the day by wearing your orange shirt and participating in one of the meaningful events below:
Tipi Storytime with Kokum Lorette
Drop-in and join Kokum Lorette Goulette in the Tipi inside Stanley A. Milner Public Library to hear traditional indigenous stories told through fun puppet friends. (For more story time fun inside the Tipi, drop-in for a quick 15 minute Story Stop at 2:15 pm on these days: September 18, 20 & 27, and October 2 & 7, 2024.)
When: Monday, September 23, 2024
Time: 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Where: Stanley A. Milner Public Library | 7 Sir Winston Churchill Square Centennial Plaza, Edmonton
Website: epl.bibliocommons.com
Art Gallery of Alberta
Visit the Art Gallery to reflect on our truth and history through art. Activities include a Beading Circle with Alaynee Goodwill-Littlechild and a screening of the film nanekawâsis, a biographical study of George Littlechild, the beloved Cree artist. Admission is pay-what-you-may courtesy of the Capital Power Indigenous Art Fund.
When: Sunday, September 29, 2024
Time: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: Art Gallery of Alberta | 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square
Website: www.youraga.ca
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at West Edmonton Mall
West Edmonton Mall will host two days of Teachings & Traditions shared by Local Indigenous Elders & Leaders. Come listen to shared stories from local Elders, enjoy traditional dance performances, and shop the Indigenous artisan market.
When: September 29 & 30, 2024
Time: Sunday 1:00 – 4:00 pm; Monday 1:00 – 5:00 pm
Where: West Edmonton Mall Centre Stage, Level One, Phase I (near The Bay) | 8882 170 Street NW, Edmonton
Website: wem.ca/events
Sherbrooke Community League Anti-Racism Seminar – Beading Workshop
Join Sherbrooke Community League to learn more about Indigenous culture with a presentation on “What is the difference between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation?” and a free hands-on workshop that will show you how to make Orange Shirt Themed beaded earrings using brick stitch. RSVP via Eventbrite.
When: September 29, 2024
Time: Sunday 1:00 – 4:00 pm; Monday 1:00 – 5:00 pm
Where: Sherbrooke Community League | 13008 122 Avenue NW, Edmonton
Website: Eventbrite
Every Child Matters Traditional Feast & Round Dance
Join Indigenous Artist Market Collective at the Alberta Aviation Museum Event Hangar for this incredible event. Things will kick-off with a Pipe ceremony and a traditional feast & potluck dinner, followed by a round dance, Indigenous marketplace, and late night bagged lunch,
When: Monday, September 30, 2024
Time: 4:30 pm – 11:00 pm
Where: Alberta Aviation Museum | 11410 Kingsway NW, Edmonton
Website: Facebook Event
Fort Edmonton Park
The Indigenous Peoples Experience at Fort Edmonton Park is one of the best places in the city to learn about Indigenous Peoples and discover the truths about their way of life before and after Canada became a country. Ticketed admission on this day is just $5/person (12 and up).
When: Monday, September 30, 2024
Time: Timeslot 1: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm; Timeslot 2: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Where: Fort Edmonton Park | 7000 143 St NW, Edmonton
Website: www.fortedmontonpark.ca
TELUS World of Science – Edmonton
On September 30, be at the Science Centre for the raising of the lighting of the Quilliq, a Tipi raising, vendors market, an Indigenous drumming performance, and special crafts and activities like an orange shirt pin craft and silkscreening workshop, or Aqpig (Cloudberry) liquid nitrogen ice cream. General admission will be free for Indigenous Peoples on September 30.
When: Monday, September 30, 2024
Time: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Where: TELUS World of Science – Edmonton | 11211 142 Street NW, Edmonton
Website: www.telusworldofscienceedmonton.ca
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Heritage Park (Stony Plain)
Put on your orange shirt and join the Town of Stony Plain for this day of listening, reflection, action, and connection in Heritage Park. Activities include wisdom from an elder, Indigenous drumming and dancing, and a feast open to all.
When: Monday, September 30, 2024
Time: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Where: Heritage Park | 5100 41 Avenue, Stony Plain
Website: www.stonyplain.com
City of St. Albert National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Join the City of St. Albert in Mission Park with guest speakers, knowledge keepers, performers, local artisans, food vendors and more. Everyone in the community is invited to join in the honour walk from Mission Park to Kâkesimokamik/The Healing Garden.
When: Monday, September 30, 2024
Time: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Where: Mission Park | 15 Mission Avenue, St. Albert
Website: stalbert.ca
Strathcona County
Strathcona County is hosting their National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Strathcona County Community Centre and Gallery @501. Join guest speakers, Indigenous elders, knowledge keepers and performers in the park for a smudging ceremony, an Honour Walk around the Park, interactive displays, a film screening of “Secret Path” by Gord Downie, and free bannock, coffee and hot chocolate. Festival Place will also be lit orange to commemorate the day.
When: Monday, September 30, 2024
Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Where: Broadmoor Lake Park | 95 St 103A Avenue, Edmonton
Website: www.strathcona.ca
Alberta Legislature
Make your way to the Alberta Legislature Grounds reconciliation garden ‘Kihciy Maskikiy / Aakaakmotaani’ (Cree and Blackfoot words meaning ‘sacred medicine / save many people’) for an afternoon of learning and reflection from Indigenous guest speakers. This sacred space features the ‘Mother Earth Circling: Healing from the residential school experience’ stone sculpture by Cree artist Stewart Steinhauer, along with a medicine wheel, traditional plants, stone benches, and footprints that represent the children who did not make it home.
When: Monday, September 30, 2024
Time: 2:00 pm
Where: Alberta Legislature Grounds
Website: www.alberta.ca
Standing Together Orange Shirt Day Community Walk
Standing Together invites you to “walk alongside us in honour of survivors who are gone and those still walking with us.” Orange shirts and bagged lunches will be provided.
When: Monday, September 30, 2024
Time: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Where: Mary Burlie Park | 10465 97 Street NW, Edmonton
Orange Shirt Day in Devon
Celebrate Indigenous cultures and honour Residential School Survivors during Orange Shirt Day in the Town of Devon. Activities include a pipe ceremony, guest speakers, a community walk in solidarity, catered lunch, and kids rock painting.
When: Monday, September 30, 2024
Time: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Where: Devon Healing Medicine Grounds | 10 River Drive, Devon
Website: www.devon.ca
Calling Back Our Spirit Gathering at Metro Cinema
When: Monday, September 30, 2024
Time: 11:00 am – 9:30 pm
Where: The Garneau Theatre | 8712 – 109 Street, Edmonton
Website: Facebook Event
Other Resources
City of Edmonton National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Events
Find even more event options and video resources on the City of Edmonton website.
CBC Kids YouTube Channel: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
CBC Kids’ YouTube channel features a fantastic playlist of videos featuring kid-friendly stories about Indigenous issues, as well as crafts and learning activities.
