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Wednesday is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada.
The day originated from the Orange Shirt Day-Every Child Matters movement, which began in Williams Lake, B.C. in 2013. According to the federal government, the day was established to “honour Residential School Survivors, their families, and those who never returned home.”
Read more:
- Culture celebrated on National Truth and Reconciliation Day in Saskatchewan
- Why do people wear orange on Truth and Reconciliation Day?
- A heartbreaking history: How Saskatchewan students learn about residential schools
The day became a statutory holiday in 2021, established by the passage of Bill C-5, “to create a statutory holiday recognizing Survivors, their families, and communities while ensuring the history and legacy of residential schools are publicly remembered.”
Canadians are encouraged to wear orange to honour Residential School Survivors and their families.
There are also events happening throughout Saskatchewan to mark the occasion.
Saskatoon – Every Child Matters Pow Wow
The annual Pow Wow at SaskTel Centre honours both missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people on Tuesday and reconciliation on Wednesday.
The grand entries on both days happen at 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. Dance specials will include red dress (all categories), orange dress (jingle dress), men’s traditional, grass dance and chicken dance (ironman) events.
The Every Child Matters Pow Wow has become an annual event at SaskTel Centre. (650 CKOM file photo)
The Saskatoon Tribal Council bills the event as “two days of dancing, drumming, culture and community as we gather in honour of Survivors, remember the children who never returned home and continue the work of reconciliation.”
Admission is free for both days.
Wanuskewin – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation gathering
Events at Wanuskewin Heritage Park outside Saskatoon kick off at 10 a.m. with an elder opening and honour song. From 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. there will be a series of events, including dance/drum presentations at 12:15, 1:15 and 3:15.
There will be a fiddle presentation at 11 a.m. and, at 2 p.m., Saskatchewan Writers Guild Keynote Speaker Randy Morin will present Everything You Want is on the Otherside of Fear.
Wanuskewin Heritage Park, north of Saskatoon, will host a number of events on Wednesday. (Libby Gray/650 CKOM)
Community art with Leah Dorion will run from 11 a.m.to 3 p.m., and there will be birch bark basket making with Lyndon Linklater from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
If you’re interested in learning about the historical side of the site, the Saskatchewan Archaeological Society will be at Wanuskewin from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
There will be traditional games with Brooklyn Neveu from 2 p.m.to 3 p.m., while the film “I Am Gitxsan” will screen at 4 p.m. The film focuses on residential school survivors and will be followed by a Q&A session with director Hossein Martin Fazeli.
The day will wrap up with a reception for the opening of the ᐁᐧᐢᑫᐧᐱᑖᑲᐣ (wîskwêpitâkan) Sacred Bundle Gallery from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
For the full schedule of events, visit the Wanuskewin website.
With the closure of Wanuskewin Road north of 72nd Street for construction, access to Wanuskewin Heritage Park is available via Highway 11 or Millar Avenue. Penner Road remains open.
The heritage park asked attendees to carpool, if possible, in order to avoid any potential traffic issues.
Regina – “What They Sought To Erase From Us” – Orange Shirt Day: Learn & Connect Event
This event, hosted by the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Network, “aims to foster greater understanding of Canada’s shared history while encouraging meaningful action toward reconciliation,” according to a statement.
The event will include activities and hands-on learning experiences as well as complimentary soup and bannock. It will run from 8:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at mâmawêyatitân centre. It is free to attend and open to the public.
The event will begin with a traditional pipe ceremony led by elders and knowledge keepers. It will feature educational presentations and cultural performances as well as interactive learning opportunities.
Hundreds of people attended the event at Regina’s mâmawêyatitân centre in 2025. (980 CJME file photo)
Indigenous scholar, author and educator Dr. Blair Stonechild will be the featured speaker, sharing “reflections on the role of education in truth, healing, and reconciliation.”
Moose Jaw – Mosaic Company National Day For Truth & Reconciliation event
This free event is being hosted at LD.V. Currie VC Armoury from 9:30 a.m. until noon, and will feature presentations and performances from several local members of the Indigenous community, including Darrell Hawman, Lori Whiteman and The Kawacatoose Boys.
“The Cultural Action Plan Committee is proud to host this event and create an opportunity for residents to come together to learn, reflect, and engage with Indigenous voices and perspectives,” said Craig Hemingway, director of strategic growth for the City of Moose Jaw.
Prince Albert – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation events
Sept. 30 will be the final day of a four-day event at Little Red River Park Cultural Grounds. “Gathering Knowledge From The Four Directions” is described as a celebration that “brings together traditional knowledge keepers, artists, and community members to create a rich, inclusive experience for all ages.”
Gates at the park will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The Prince Albert Grand Council will host an event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. featuring guest speakers and a provided lunch.
The Prince Albert Historical Museum will offer free admission from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
North Battleford – Every Child Matters event & Orange Shirt Day walk
In North Battleford’s Library Park, the Battlefords Indian Métis Friendship Centre will host an Every Child Matters event.
The event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is free and open to all ages. The day will include pow wow performances, storytelling, information tables, face painting, bouncy castles and other activities for community members.
According to canada.ca, “On September 30, Canadians are encouraged to wear orange in honour of Residential School Survivors and their families, and in remembrance of the children who never returned home.” (980 CJME file photo)
At The Ridge, Sunchild Law will host an Orange Shirt Day walk for former students, their families and community members. The walk begins at 11 a.m.
Meanwhile, Battle River Treaty 6 Health Centre will host a mini pow wow on the Sakewew High School property. The grand entry is scheduled for noon, with the event providing an opportunity to honour dancers and bring the community together over a served lunch.
—with files from battlefordsNOW
