September 30, 2024 is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. On this day we recognize the First Nation, Métis and Inuit Survivors of residential schools and commemorate those who did not return. We join with our partners, other organizations in our community and Destination Indigenous in recognizing the path towards reconciliation is ongoing.
September 30 is also known as Orange Shirt Day and people wear orange T-shirts to acknowledge the impact of residential schools on Indigenous Peoples.
Many of our partners will be featuring special programming on September 30. Read on for an overview of important events happening throughout our community to help honour and reflect on this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN)
APTN and National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation will unite once again on September 30 to co-host Remembering the Children, a commemorative gathering in honour of the fourth annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The multilingual commemoration will be broadcast live across the country from Parliament Hill, on the unceded, unsurrendered territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation.
APTN suggests the following ways to honour Indigenous Survivors:
- Tune in to Indigenous programming airing from September 29 to October 1.
- Wear an orange shirt in solidarity with Indigenous communities on September 30.
- Make an ‘Every Child Matters’ sign or print off an orange shirt cut-out to display at home.
- Participate in a memorial walk or attend an event hosted by Indigenous community members.
- Donate to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation and the Residential School Survivors Society.
- Review the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action and commit to at least one.
- Read books by Indigenous writers.
Assiniboine Park Conservancy
Visit the Indigenous Peoples Garden at The Leaf on Monday, September 30 where the Assiniboine Park Conservancy will host a Sacred Fire. The Fire Node is a welcoming and contemplative space where you can come for a quiet moment of personal reflection or engage with Indigenous educator, Cree Crowchild who will be present from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Participants will be introduced to the teachings of tobacco, prayer ties and smudge prayer ceremony. This event is free and open to all.
In recognition of this important day of awareness, Assiniboine Park Conservancy will also engage with visitors to support the work of two Indigenous-led organizations through a minimum donation of $10,000 to be divided evenly between the Orange Shirt Society and Circles for Reconciliation.
Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) | 85 Israel Asper Way
The CMHR has a permanent Truth and Reconciliation exhibition to honour and remember the Survivors of residential schools on Level 7, in the Inspiring Change gallery.
There are several exhibits throughout the museum that explore the tragic history and legacy of residential schools and reinforce how everyone has an important role to play towards reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Canada.
These exhibits are a great starting point for conversations and examining justice. There is also a traveling art installation called the Witness Blanket that was created by master carver Carey Newman to recognize the atrocities of the residential school era, honour the children and symbolize ongoing reconciliation.
CMHR is offering free admission on September 30 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Children’s Museum | 45 Forks Market Road
In recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Children's Museum is offering free general admission on September 30.
- Alice RL from Forum Art Centre will help us create a collaborative nature mural entitled
- Growing Together (11 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
- Author David Robertson (11 a.m. and 1 p.m.)
- Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba’s Speakers Bureau Member Ivana Yellowback (12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.)
- Métis educator Teresa Byrne will lead a Michif language workshop and Métis paper vest craft.
- Explore the Manitoba Museum’s Inuit artifact display table.
- Craft a take-home decorative heart for a Heart Garden, with each heart representing the memory of a child lost to the residential school system.
They will be open regular hours, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with special programming from 11 to 3 p.m.
FortWhyte Alive | 1961 McCreary Rd
In recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, FortWhyte Alive will be hosting several activities including orange shirt paper crafts and story reading on both September 29 and 30 from 1-4 p.m.
FortWhyte Alive offers complimentary admission to all Indigenous visitors who would like to spend time connecting with nature.
Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund (DWF)
The DWF is offering a week of learning and reflection from September 23-30, including webinars and resources to support your ongoing reconciliation journey.
The DWF is partnering with major media outlets and radio stations throughout Canada on A Day to Listen, airing September 30 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Manitoba Museum | 190 Rupert Ave.
Manitoba Museum is hosting Orange Shirt Days and will provide complimentary admission to the Museum Galleries, Science Gallery and Planetarium from September 28-30 between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Program highlights include a self-guided tour of exhibits and videos relevant to the history of Residential Schools, a language learning booth, reflection station, a collaborative hands-on activity using art to bring learning and healing to those who take part, and multiple film screenings.
Guests are encouraged to wear orange.
Memorial Walks
Join Wa-Say Healing Centre’s fourth annual Orange Shirt Day Survivor’s Walk and pow wow on September 30. Head to The Forks for 10 a.m. and meet at Oodena Celebration Circle. Participants will make their way from The Forks, through downtown Winnipeg and then to RBC Convention Centre for the Orange Shirt Day pow wow which starts at 1 p.m.
The event will include drumming by Spirit Sand Singers and other performers.
Musée Saint-Boniface Museum | 219 Provencher Blvd
On September 28, from 12-4 p.m., for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation the Saint-Boniface Museum is hosting educational activities in the Louis Riel exhibit currently found on the 2nd floor at 219 Provencher Blvd.
For more information, check out their website.
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR)
NCTR has an entire week of programming for all ages including free daily lunch and learn webinars hosted by Survivors to facilitate learning for Canadians on topics related to Truth and Reconciliation. NCTR is also hosting free virtual education programs for Grades 1-12 with pre-recorded videos and live sessions.
Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada | 2088 Wellington Ave
The Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada (RAMWC) is committed to honouring and commemorating the history of Indigenous People and aviation in Western Canada and to creating a safe space for reconciliation to occur. They have worked on honouring Calls to Action 62 and 67, relating to age-appropriate education programming on residential schools and practices related to their archives.
RAMWC offers a self-guided tour of the Indigenous stories featured in the museum; please ask the front desk upon arrival.
Admission is always free for Indigenous visitors.
Royal Canadian Mint | 520 Lagimodière Blvd
In 2022, a Truth and Reconciliation Keepsake coin was designed by three talented Indigenous artists: Leticia Spence representing First Nations communities, JD Hawk representing Métis communities and Jason Sikoak representing the Inuit. The three talented artists worked together with Survivors to create a thoughtful design marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. You can read more about the story behind the design on its website.
All proceeds from the sale of the Truth and Reconciliation Keepsake will support the work of the Na-mi-quai-ni-mak Community Support Fund (Na-mi-quai-ni-mak is an Anishinaabemowin name meaning “I remember them”). It is a community fund to assist Survivors and their communities established by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.
2023 National Indigenous Peoples Day commemorative $2 coin was introduced last year featuring the combined work of three artists: Megan Currie, English River First Nation; Myrna Pokiak (Agnaviak), Inuvialuit Settlement Region; and Jennine Krauchi, Red River Métis.
Learn more about the First Nations, Métis and Inuit Artists’ designs and stories behind the coins that have been shared by the Mint.
Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre | 140 Rupert Ave
In Anishinaabemowin, the word Pimootayowin means “journey.” From October to May each year, the Pimootayowin Creators Circle journeys to discover their skills in storytelling and playwriting. The 2024 Pimootayowin: A Festival of New Work is the culmination of work developed by the artists over the past year.
These public presentations are FREE and running September 23-27, 7 p.m. nightly at the Tom Hendry Warehouse at 140 Rupert Ave.
Support local restaurants and makers
Support local Indigenous-led makers by visiting Cree-Ations Artist Showcase on Main Street where you'll find handmade moccasins, art, beadwork and more. Teekca’s Aboriginal Boutique, which offers handmade Manitoba-made gifts has three locations across the city, including a large shop at The Forks Market.
Also at The Forks, the Manitobah shop is a real stunner and a great spot to find some of the best footwear made on Turtle Island. In the South Osborne neighbourhood you'll find Anne Mulaire, a Winnipeg fashion designer of French-Métis descent committed to fair trade, environmental stewardship and inclusive sizing.
To experience Ojibway, Cree and Métis cuisine, please refer to our Indigenous Culinary Guide. Learn about pizza joints like Shelly’s Indigenous Bistro (the pizza is served on bannock); Métis spots showcasing many local suppliers like Bistro on Notre Dame and Promenade Brasserie; food truck The Indigenous Kitchen; and Feast Café Bistro, owned by celebrity chef Christa Bruneau-Guenther.
Manoomin, located within the Wyndham Garden Winnipeg Airport hotel is owned by Long Plain First Nation. Manoomin is 'wild rice' in Ojibway, and the menu (breakfast through dinner) is by chef Jennifer Ballantyne, a member of Opaskwayak Cree Nation.
The Forks National Historic Site | Forks Market Road
Located in the heart of The Forks, the Agowiidiwinan Centre invites visitors to delve into Indigenous history and the Numbered Treaties. The Centre is steps away from the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers, historically where Indigenous Peoples traded and resided over 6,000 years ago. In the Centre, guests can expand their knowledge about treaties and their impact on Canada’s cultural and legal landscape through an array of interactive tools, visual panels and special educational events.
The Centre is a fully self-guided experience and visitors are invited to “follow the river” from one panel to the next, as indicated by the winding blue pattern on the floor.
* Admission to the Agowiidiwinan Centre is free. Located at 15 Forks Market Road near The Forks Market Plaza. The Agowiidiwinan Centre welcomes guests Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Take in Niimaamaa, a big, bold stylized sculpture of a pregnant woman. This 30-foot outdoor piece by artists KC Adams, Jaimie Isaac and Val Vint represents motherhood, Mother Earth and new beginnings. Niimaamaa means “my mother” to Cree, Ojibway and Métis speakers.
Realize the dense history of Indigenous Peoples in Manitoba through stories and legends taking in these monuments and more with a guided walking tour like One Heart, Two Rivers, Four Directions. The tour can be accessed by downloading the Parks Canada National App on Apple or Android devices.
For more treaty history, visit the Lower Fort Garry National Historic site north of Winnipeg, where Treaty No. 1 was signed in 1871. You can also head to the middle of the city where Upper Fort Garry Provincial Park pays homage to this region’s history through a massive Heritage Wall full of art, inscriptions and a sound and light show that plays regularly throughout the day and evening.
WAG-Qaumajuq | 300 Memorial Blvd
September 28
For Nuit Blanche, WAG-Qaumajuq will be opening its doors for a night of free art on September 28 from 6-9 p.m. Visitors can stroll through three floors of stunning art exhibits and join the inspiring Artist & Creator Tour of the beautiful exhibition, Winyan, with Lita Fontaine and Marie-Anne Redhead at 7 p.m. (RSVP required). You can also shop and enjoy Katita Café.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Edmonton Elks will honour Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation during the game at Princess Auto Stadium on September 27.
Fans are encouraged to wear their orange, Blue Bombers gear and there will be Indigenous opening ceremonies and halftime show. Full lineup to be announced.
Support for Survivors
If you are a Survivor and need emotional support, a national crisis line is available 24hrs a day, seven days a week. Residential School Survivor Support line: 1-866-925-4419
Additional Health Support Information
Emotional, cultural and professional support services are also available to Survivors and their families through the Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program.
Services can be accessed on an individual, family or group basis. Manitoba: 1-866-818-3505
