National Truth and Reconciliation Week takes place from September 21 to 25. This important week gives students across Canada a chance to learn about the history, cultures, and traditions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. Throughout the week, VVS staff and students will honour residential school survivors and remember the children who never returned home. On Wednesday, September 30th, everyone is encouraged to wear an orange shirt to show that every child matters and to commit to building a fairer, more inclusive future together.
September 30th – Orange Shirt Day/National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Why Do We Wear an Orange Shirt?
Phyllis (Jack) Webstad had her bright orange shirt taken from her by teachers on the first day at St. Joseph Mission Residential School. The orange colour reminds Phyllis of feelings of worthlessness, to this day, it is a symbol of recognition of the abuses suffered in residential schools and the harm they did to children’s self-esteem and well being.
Phyliss speaks to her story in this video: https://youtu.be/c3q7byZhbaI?si=ZSh3cyB2Rjvio0MY
If you would like to learn more, please follow the link below:
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
How Can We Help?
In addition to wearing your orange shirt, the Government of Alberta website suggests people can:
A) organize an online or in-person event following public health guidelines
B) read about the legacy of residential schools
C) read the summary of the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
D) find and watch films online about people’s experiences at residential schools
E) learn about Indigenous cultures.
Need an orange shirt? Please consider purchasing one from an Orange Shirt Society partner or Indigenous Marketing Solutions
NCTR Daily Youth Webinars & Lunch & Learns (Grades 7–12 / Ages 12–17)
Reflection and Education (Smoky Lake):
Visit Métis Crossing for reflection and programs honoring residential school Survivors on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 1:00 PM.
Edmonton Events
Legislature Public Observance: Gather at the Kihciy Maskikiy / Aakaakmotaani Reconciliation Garden (southeast lawn of the Alberta Legislature grounds) for teachings and reflections from Elders.
Date & Time: Tuesday, September 29, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM.
Cost: Free.
Orange Shirt Day Run/Walk: Take part in the 6th Annual event organized by Indigenous Runner to build community and show support.
Date & Time: Sunday, September 27, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Venue: Kinsmen Park (9100 Walterdale Hill NW).
Honouring the Walk of Healing: Attend a community event hosted by the Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society featuring a breakfast, smudge and prayer, keynote speakers, and storytelling breakout sessions.
Date & Time: Wednesday, September 30, 2026, starting at 9:00 AM.
Venue: Bent Arrow’s Gymnasium (11648 85 Street).
Cost: Free.
Indigenous Peoples Experience: Visit Fort Edmonton Park to explore the truths of Indigenous life before and after Canada became a country.
Date & Time: Wednesday, September 30, 2026, from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
Cost: Reduced ticket admission ($5 for ages 12 and up).
Calgary Events
Pokaiks ‘The Children’ Commemorative Walk & Gathering: Join the annual reconciliation walk and community gathering hosted by the Pokaiks Reconciliation Society.
Date & Time: Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 10:00 AM.
Venue: Eau Claire Park (South end of the Peace Bridge, 701 11 St. S.W.)
Cost: Free.
Every Child Matters Pow Wow: Take part in the 6th annual indoor festival focused on education and reconciliation.
Date & Time: Wednesday, September 30, 2026, starting at 11:30 AM.
Venue: Bob Bahan Aquatic & Fitness Centre (4812 14 Avenue SE).
Jeremy Dutcher Concert: Attend a powerful live musical performance by JUNO Award-winning Indigenous tenor and composer Jeremy Dutcher.
Date & Time: Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 7:00 PM.
Venue: Studio Bell, Home of the National Music Centre (850 4 Street SE).
Fort McMurray Events
Annual Community Gathering and Walk: Join community members, local organizations, and the Athabasca Tribal Council for an official walk. The event opens with a prayer and remarks, followed by a communal walk to honor survivors and remember the children who never returned home.
Date & Time: Wednesday, September 30, 2026, starting at 10:00 AM.
Venue: Starts at Jubilee Plaza (9909 Franklin Ave) and finishes at SMS Equipment Place on MacDonald Island for light refreshments.
Cost: Free.
Wear Orange Initiative: The local community and groups like the Mikisew Group encourage everyone to wear orange on September 30 to show visible support and spark meaningful conversations about reconciliation. https://mikisewgroup.com/events/orange-shirt-day-national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation-2026/
Lethbridge Events
Orange Shirt Day Walk: Join the 4th annual community walk to show support and solidarity.
Date & Time: Sunday, September 27, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Venue: Meets in the main branch parking lot of the Lethbridge Public Library and walks to Galt Gardens and back.
Cost: Free.
Community Jingle Dress Project: Participate in a hands-on, collaborative art piece honoring the spirit of Orange Shirt Day. Local Indigenous artist and designer Serene Weasletraveler will guide the project to ensure it is culturally meaningful.
Date & Time: Wednesday, September 30, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
Venue: Outdoor event at Casa and Rotary Square.
Cost: Free.
University of Lethbridge (Iniskim) Events: The campus is hosting dedicated Truth and Reconciliation Days featuring learning activities open to the public.
Date: September 28 to September 30, 2026.
Venue: University of Lethbridge Campus
Red Deer Events
Red Deer Polytechnic Campus Gatherings: Participate in campus events open to the community to reflect on the legacy of residential schools.
Date & Time: Tuesday, September 29, 2026.
Flag Raising: 9:00 AM at the main campus flagpoles.
Presentations: 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Arts Centre Mainstage.
Lunch: Soup and bannock from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM in the Arts Centre Foyer.
Venue: Red Deer Polytechnic.
Red Deer Native Friendship Society Gathering: Join community leaders, Elders, and families for a day of sharing, learning, and mutual support.
Date: Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
Venue: Hosted by the Red Deer Native Friendship Society.