Calgary Events Marking National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Updated: Sep 23
Every year on September 30, people across Canada come together to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day honours the Indigenous children who never returned home from residential schools and recognizes the survivors, families and communities whose lives continue to be affected by that history.
The date falls during the season when Indigenous children were traditionally taken from their homes and sent to residential schools. It is a time to reflect on the lasting effects of the residential school system, learn from Indigenous voices and consider the responsibility we all share in the work of reconciliation.
September 30 is also Orange Shirt Day, inspired by residential school survivor Phyllis Webstad’s experience. When she arrived at residential school, the new orange shirt she was wearing was taken away from her. Her story has become a national symbol of the identity, culture and belonging that were taken from Indigenous children.
Calgarians are encouraged to wear orange, take time to listen and learn, and participate in one of the events happening throughout the city. Take a look below at a wide variety of opportunities to take part in throughout Calgary.
Orange Shirt Day at The Confluence
September 30 | 9:00–10:30 a.m.
The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland
Free
Attend presentations from the mayor, Indigenous Elders and school board representatives at The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland. Wearing orange is encouraged as a way to show support and honour the children who never returned home from residential schools.
Pokaiks Reconciliation Walk
September 30 | 11:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Peace Bridge and Contemporary Calgary
Free
Join the annual Pokaiks “The Children” Commemorative Walk and Gathering, hosted by the Pokaiks Reconciliation Society.
Following the walk, the afternoon will include Indigenous performances, storytelling, workshops, artisan showcases and family-friendly activities at Contemporary Calgary.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Heritage Park
September 30 | 4:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
Heritage Park
Join us on September 30th for Dancing in Their Honour: Truth & Reconciliation Pow Wow a gathering held in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Through song, dance, drumming, food, art and community, we come together to honour residential school Survivors, remember the children who never returned home, and recognize the generations of Indigenous families and communities who continue to be affected by the residential school system.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Werklund Centre
September 30 | 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Market opens: 11am
Pow Wow Showcase: 5pm
Elder Story Project: 7pm
Run time: ~120min
Tickets are free.
This year, in commemoration of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Elders of the Elders Story Project (ESP) are moving from Truth towards Reconciliation, featuring ceremonies and a free Indigenous Makers Market and Powwow Showcase. Join us on September 30th for a celebration of tradition, artistry, and ceremony.
Elders from Piikani (Blackfoot) and Stoney (Iyarhe Nakoda) will begin the evening co-leading the Horse Dance Ceremony, which is a celebration of the partnership between man and horse. This is a visually stunning tradition and tribute. Following the Horse Dance Ceremony will be a Naming Ceremony, where our very own President and CEO, Alex Sarian, and our VP of Strategic Projects, Tasha Komery, will each be gifted and honoured with a Blackfoot name.
4 Seasons of Reconciliation e-learning opportunity
Ongoing | Online
Free
4 Seasons of Reconciliation provides foundational knowledge about the relationship between Canada, Indigenous Peoples and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
The course supports a renewed relationship between Indigenous Peoples and all Canadians through transformative learning about truth and reconciliation.
Film Screening of “WaaPaKe”
Date: Sept. 29
Time: 6 – 8 p.m.
Location: Central Library, Patricia A. Whelan Performance Hall
Join us for a screening of WaaPaKe (Tomorrow), a documentary by Dr. Jules Arita Koostachin. In an effort to help the children of Residential School Survivors contend with unspoken trauma, Koostachin steps in front of the camera and participates in the circle of truth.
Special remarks by UCalgary’s Office of Indigenous Engagement.
National Day for Truth & Reconciliation with TELUS Spark
September 27, 2026 | 10AM – 3:00PM | TELUS Spark
Guided by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation’s 6 actions of ReconciliACTION, this programming will explore ancestral land, Residential Schools and Indian Day School, the 94 Calls to Action, and reconciliation journeys. In the spirit of reconciliation, programming will be led by Settlers.
Every Child Matters Pow Wow for Truth and Reconciliation
September 30, 2026 | 11:30AM – 6PM | Bob Bahan Soccer Field
This will mark with 6th year that the Pow Wow has taken place.
Continuing the work of reconciliation
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an opportunity to remember, learn and listen—but reconciliation requires ongoing commitment throughout the year. Whether you attend an event, take an online course, support Indigenous artists or spend time learning from residential school survivors and Indigenous communities, every step can contribute to a more informed and respectful future.
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