Orange Shirt Day
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada’s Final Report and its 94 Calls to Action.
Each year, September 30 is recognized as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The day honours the children who never returned home and survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.
In the video below, students from Holy Trinity Catholic High School answer the question, "What does Truth and Reconciliation mean to you?"
Wear Orange on September 29
Orange Shirt Day is a time to reflect on the legacy of residential schools and honour the survivors and the children who never got to go home. It is observed on September 30 each year because this is the time that many Indigenous children were forcibly removed from their families and communities. This date is a federal holiday, and ECSD schools will observe Orange Shirt Day on Monday, September 29. If you have questions about what your child's school is doing to commemorate this day, please get in touch with the school's Principal or their Truth & Reconciliation Lead Teacher.
What is Orange Shirt Day?
It is through actions like the sharing of the story of Phyllis Jack Webstad, a 6-year-old girl who was stripped of her new orange shirt when she entered a residential school, that people across our nation will come to know the truth. Only then can we begin the process of reconciliation.
New K-6 Classroom Ready Resource
Click here to open the PowerPoint
Resource Links
Events
September 24–30, 2025
Downie Wenjack Fund – Lunch & Learn Series
Time: 12:00 PM MT daily
Location: Online (DWF Live on YouTube)
A four-part video series marking the 10th anniversary of the TRC Final Report and 94 Calls to Action. Features Indigenous voices, Survivors, experts, and youth.
Link: Join on YouTube
September 25–October 4, 2025
Edmonton International Film Festival – Indigenous Films
Location: Various venues
Highlights include:
Waking Up the Spirits – September 27
What We Carry – September 30
Link: More information
Below is a list of titles from Indigenous filmmakers, or about Indigenous stories or subjects.
Feature films:
Siksikakowan: The Blackfoot Man
Last Stop Video Rentals
What We Carry
Nika & Madison
Blood Lines
Short films:
Courage
The Hunter and His Apprentice
Waking Spirits Up
One Click
Sweetgrass Rings
Lone Eagle
September 28, 2025
5th Annual Orange Shirt Run/Walk – RunConciliAction
Location: Kinsmen Sport Centre, Edmonton
Distances: 5 km, 10 km, Elder/Kids 2.15 km
A scenic run through Edmonton’s river valley trails.
Link: More information
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Event – Fort Saskatchewan
Location: Fort Sask Community Hall, 9964 93 Ave
Time: 2:00 PM–6:00 PM
Opening prayer, survivor stories, Indigenous entertainment, and dinner.
Performers include: Zachary Moostoos Willier, Alicia Cardinal, Adrian Lachance, Running Thunder, Bobbi Jo Starr, and the Donita Large Trio.
Honouring Our Shared History – TRC Event
Location: Rundle Park Site #6, 2909 113 Ave, Edmonton
Time: 9:00 AM Pipe Ceremony | 11:00 AM–3:00 PM Event
Live performances, speakers, free BBQ, and community gathering.
September 30, 2025 – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Indigenous Peoples Experience – Fort Edmonton Park
Location: Fort Edmonton Park
Type: Ticketed event
Explore Indigenous life before and after the formation of Canada.
Link: More information
Community Event – St. Albert
Location: Mission Park, 15 Mission Avenue, St. Albert
Time: 1:00 PM–4:00 PM
Honour Walk, speakers, Inuit throat singers, Métis showcase, and round dance.
Government of Alberta Reconciliation Gathering
Location: Kihciy Maskikiy/Aakaakmotaani Reconciliation Garden, Alberta Legislature Grounds
Time: 2:00 PM–3:00 PM
Limited seating – bring a lawn chair.
Link: More information
Truth and Reconciliation Film Screening & Author Event
Location: Audreys Books, 10702 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton
Type: Free – Registration required
Link: More information
Acknowledgement to Action – A Reconciliation Journey
Location: 4308 50 St, Leduc, AB
Time: 12:00 PM–4:00 PM
Documentary screening, panel discussion, photo exhibit, and reconciliation award.