September 30th is a day of deep reflection and remembrance, dedicated to honouring the survivors of residential schools, the children who never made it home, and the generations of families and communities affected. This day calls on all Canadians to pause, acknowledge the painful history, and actively engage in reconciliation.
At Carya, we believe that reconciliation is a shared responsibility, and each of us can contribute to the journey. We encourage everyone to use this day—and every day—as an opportunity to reflect, learn, and foster understanding.
As we approach National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we invite you to take part in these activities and continue supporting Indigenous artists, voices, and communities throughout the year. Together, we can contribute to meaningful reconciliation.
We’ve gathered a list of resources and activities to support your exploration of these important issues. By engaging with these materials, you can deepen your understanding and participate in meaningful ways during the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.
To explore the resources and activities further, please click on the purple links below.
PARTICIPATE
- Heritage Park – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Sept 29)
- Elder Story Project (Sept 30)
- Pokaiks “The Children” Commemorative Walk and Gather (Sept 30)
- Arts Commons – Truth and Reconciliation Day (Sept 30)
- City of Calgary: Orange Shirt Day (Sept 30)
- Michelle Good Presentation: Getting Under the Myth of Canadian History (Sept 30)
- Screening of Bones of Crows (Sept 29)
LISTEN
- “All My Relations” hosted by Matika Wilbur and Adrienne Keene (Podcast)
- “Unreserved” – CBC Radio (Indigenous Podcasts from UBC)
- “Woven Spirit: Threads of Wisdom”– Indian Residential School Survivors Society (Podcast)
WATCH
- Indian Horse, from Stephen Campanelli (Film)
- Our People Will be Healed, from Alanis Obomsawin (Documentary)
- The Road Forward, from Marie Clements (Documentary)
- Rhymes for Young Ghouls, from Jeff Barnaby (Film)
- We Were Children, from Tim Wolochatiuk (Film)
- Where the Spirit Lives, from Bruce Pittman (Film)
- The Secret Path, from Gord Downie (Film)
- Muffins for Granny, from Nadia McLaren (Documentary)
- Reel Injun – Directed by Neil Diamond (Documentary)
- Colonization Road – Directed by Michelle St. John (Documentary)
READ
- 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act by Bob Joseph
- A Knock on the Door: The Essential History of Residential Schools from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada edited by Phil Fontaine, Aimée Craft and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
- Calls to Action Booklet – National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
- Clearing the Plains: Disease, Politics of Starvation, and the Loss of Indigenous Life by James Daschuk
- The Inconvenient Indian: A Curious Account of Native People in North America by Thomas King
SUPPORT
Orange Shirts and Wearable Items by Indigenous Artists:
Year-Round Ways to Support Indigenous Artists:
- Visit the mural “Honoring Life Givers” in East Village to celebrate Indigenous women. Learn more about the artist and mural at BUMP Festival.
- Download IndigiTRAILS App by USAY on Apple or Android for access to digital art galleries and walking guides.
- Check out this Residential School Trail Map PDF for one of the available trails.
- Visit the Siksikaitsitapi Medicine Wheel at Nose Hill Park for a reflective experience.
- Attend Indigenous fashion shows, craft markets, and other events hosted by Authentically Indigenous.