September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It is a day of deep reflection and remembrance dedicated to honouring Survivors of residential schools, the children who never came home, and the generations of families and communities affected. It calls on all Canadians to acknowledge painful truths, honour resilience, and take part in reconciliation.
At Carya, we believe reconciliation is a shared responsibility. Each of us has a role to play, and we encourage our community to use this day, and every day, as an opportunity to listen, learn, and build understanding.
Across Calgary, there are many opportunities to gather, reflect, and take meaningful action with neighbours, friends, and colleagues. Explore some of the events and activities below by clicking the purple links to learn more and get involved.
Events and Activities Happening in Calgary
- Orange Shirt Day at The Confluence: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Free programming all day, and the City of Calgary Orange Shirt Day program from 9 to 10:30 a.m. - Pokaiks Reconciliation Walk: September 30 | 11:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
A walk from Peace Bridge to Contemporary Calgary, followed by performances, workshops, storytelling, and family-friendly activities. - “Siksikakowan: The Blackfoot Man” — Film Screening: September 29 | 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Directed by Trevor Solway, this documentary is an intimate portrait of Indigenous masculinity told through the eyes of filmmaker Sinakson, Trevor Solway. - “We Are All Treaty People” at The Confluence: September 30 | 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m.
This play follows the story of a Trickster who meets two young girls: one of Aboriginal descent, and one of colonial descent. - Speak Up! Exhibition & The Power of Music at Studio Bell: September 30 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Explore Indigenous voices in music with storytelling, artifacts, and a panel discussion at 1:00 p.m., followed by a performance. - A Conversation with National Chief Cindy Woodhouse: October 1 | 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Join Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak for a keynote luncheon and fireside chat highlighting the role of First Nations and communities in nation-building projects, the role of industry in the path forward toward meaningful economic reconciliation, and next steps on the repatriation of the Manitou Stone to First Nations People. - National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Heritage Park: September 30 | 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Heritage Park invites you to join us for a full day of ceremony, storytelling, and cultural experiences. - National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Werklund Centre: September 30 | 11:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Events include an Art Galleries Tour, Artist Talk, Indigenous Makers Market & Pow Wow Showcase, immersive sound experience Echoes of the Land, and the Elders Story Project.
How You Can Honour the Day
As a Champion of the Enough for All strategy, we are inspired by their guidance on how to meaningfully observe this day. Here are a few ways you can take action:
- Listen and Learn: Listen to an Elder share Indigenous knowledge on building enough for all futures.
- Show Solidarity: Wear an orange shirt as a visible commitment to remembering the children who never returned from residential schools.
- Gather in Community: Attend a local event with family, friends, or colleagues to reflect and learn together.
- Engage with Indigenous Voices: Read books, watch films, or explore art created by Indigenous authors, storytellers, and artists, such as Phyllis’s Orange Shirt.
- Reflect and Act: Consider your own role in reconciliation by exploring the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action.
- Support Indigenous Leadership: Contribute to Indigenous-led initiatives or support Indigenous-owned businesses.
These are just a few of the meaningful steps we can take together. September 30 reminds us that reconciliation lives in our everyday choices: to listen, to learn, to show up. It is not the work of a single day, but a shared journey toward stronger, healthier futures for generations to come.