Each year on September 30, people across Canada observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, a time to honour the children who never returned home from residential schools, Survivors, their families and communities, and to recognize the ongoing impacts of the residential school system.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was established in response to Call to Action 80 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s 94 Calls to Action. Orange Shirt Day began as a grassroots, Indigenous-led movement inspired by the experience of residential school Survivor Phyllis Webstad, whose orange shirt was taken from her when she arrived at residential school as a child.
September 30 is an opportunity to listen, learn and reflect. It is also a reminder that reconciliation extends beyond one day. Whether through learning more about the history and ongoing impacts of residential schools, attending an Indigenous-led gathering or identifying ways to take action in our own lives and communities, we all have opportunities to continue that learning throughout the year.
Events & Activities Happening in Calgary
There are a number of opportunities to gather, learn and reflect in Calgary on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
Orange Shirt Day Ceremony at The Confluence | 9:00–10:30 a.m.
The City of Calgary’s annual Orange Shirt Day ceremony will bring together Indigenous Elders, speakers, school representatives and Indigenous dancers. The gathering begins with a blessing from an Elder and honours residential school Survivors, their families and the children who never returned home. The ceremony is free to attend and will also be livestreamed.
Following the ceremony, The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland will offer free admission and educational programming until 5:00 p.m., including exhibits, tipi programming and educational walking tours.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at The Confluence
Pokaiks – The Children’s Commemorative Walk & Gathering | Beginning at 11:00 a.m.
The annual Pokaiks commemorative walk invites Calgarians to walk together in remembrance. Beginning near 311 8 St. S.W., the walk will continue to Contemporary Calgary, where participants can experience Indigenous performances, artists and artisans, tipi teachings, Indigenous games, community organizations and family activities.
Pokaiks 10th annual Reconciliation walk and gathering | Tourism Calgary
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Werklund Centre | Throughout the day
Werklund Centre will host programming throughout September 30, including an Indigenous Makers Market beginning at 11:00 a.m., a Pow Wow Showcase at 5:00 p.m. and the Elders Story Project at 7:00 p.m. The evening program brings Elders from Piikani and Stoney Nakoda together to share ceremony and community. The evening program is free, although tickets are required.
Orange Shirt Day Run/Walk Calgary
The Inaugural 1st annual Run/Walk to honor our little ancestors who did not survive the Residential school era and in support and solidarity for the survivors who fight every day for healing and justice. This event aims to raise funds for the Orangeshirtday.org as well as local grassroots movements including promoting and supporting Indigenous athletes. This will be a combination of pavement and gravel run overlooking the Glenmore Reservoir and Weaslehead Flats starting at North Glenmore Park and includes three distances of 5 & 10 km and an Elder/Kids 2.15 km.
2026 — Orange Shirt Day Run/Walk Calgary
Dancing in Their Honour: Truth & Reconciliation Pow Wow at Heritage Park | 4:00–9:00 p.m.
Heritage Park will host an evening of programming beginning with Music is Medicine from 4:00–6:00 p.m., followed by the Truth & Reconciliation Pow Wow from 6:00–9:00 p.m. An Indigenous Market will also feature Indigenous vendors and makers. The gathering uses song, dance, drumming, food, art and community to honour Survivors and remember the children who never returned home.
Learn more through Heritage Park
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: Free Admission at Studio Bell | 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Studio Bell will offer free admission throughout the day, inviting visitors to explore five floors of music exhibitions and interactive activities. Visitors can experience Speak Up!, an exhibition celebrating Indigenous artists who have made a social impact on music in Canada and highlighting Indigenous voices, stories and contributions to Canada’s musical landscape.
Visit the Studio Bell event page
Event details may be subject to change. Check directly with organizers before attending.
How You Can Honour the Day
There is no single way to participate in National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. What matters is approaching the day with respect, openness and a willingness to continue learning.
Wear orange and learn the story behind it. Orange Shirt Day grew from the experience of residential school Survivor Phyllis Webstad and carries the message that Every Child Matters. Take time to learn about the origins of the movement and why September 30 was chosen.
Attend an Indigenous-led event. Calgary has several opportunities to listen, learn, gather and participate on September 30. When attending ceremonies, pow wows and other cultural gatherings, follow the guidance of hosts and participate respectfully.
Read the 94 Calls to Action. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action provide a tangible place to begin. Consider which Calls to Action intersect with your workplace, profession, community and everyday life, and what action you can take.
Learn from Survivors and Indigenous voices. Seek out books, films, podcasts, talks and Survivor testimony created or shared by Indigenous people. Listening directly to lived experiences can deepen our understanding of residential schools and their ongoing impacts.
Support Indigenous artists, makers, businesses and organizations. Attend an Indigenous market, purchase directly from Indigenous creators or learn more about Indigenous-led organizations doing work in your community.
Learn about the land and communities around you. For those of us in Calgary, this means continuing to learn about Treaty 7, the Blackfoot Confederacy, Tsuut’ina Nation, Îethka Nakoda Nations and Métis communities, including their histories, contemporary communities and cultures.
Most importantly, continue learning beyond September 30. Reconciliation is an ongoing responsibility. Consider choosing one action or learning commitment that you can carry with you throughout the year.
Resources to Continue Learning
Orange Shirt Society
Learn about the origins of Orange Shirt Day and access Indigenous-led, Survivor-informed educational resources.
Explore Orange Shirt Society resources
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
Access information about Canada’s residential school system, Survivor experiences, educational materials and the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Visit the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: 94 Calls to Action
Read the Calls to Action and consider how individuals, organizations and communities can contribute to reconciliation.
Read the 94 Calls to Action
Calgary Foundation – Indigenous Ally Toolkit and Learning Resources
Explore locally focused resources for learning about Indigenous histories, Treaty 7 and reconciliation.
September 30 is a day to honour, remember and learn. It is also an invitation to consider what reconciliation can look like in the days that follow, through listening, building relationships, continuing our education and turning what we learn into meaningful action.