2025 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Events in Alberta

September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day to honour survivors, remember the children who never returned home, and reflect on the ongoing impacts of colonial systems. 

This day is not only one of remembrance, but of responsibility. It invites us to pause and consider how we relate to the land we live on, the people who have cared for them since time immemorial, and the systems we work within and benefit from that have also caused harm. 

At AAISA, we recognize that reconciliation is not symbolic nor confined to a single day on the calendar. It is a lifelong practice of listening, learning, unlearning, and choosing to walk a different path. We encourage our members, followers and partners to use this day as an invitation for deeper reflection and meaningful action toward justice, healing and renewed relationships. 

We thank the organizations that have developed, organized and shared valuable resources for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Below, we’ve highlighted some of the events happening throughout the week, and we encourage you to explore additional opportunities for ongoing education in your community. 

Resources 

• Read the Truth and Reconciliation reports on the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation to familiarize yourself with the TRC’s Calls to Action which outline recommendations for addressing the historical and ongoing impact of residential schools.   
• The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation provides a wealth of educational resources to gain a deeper understanding of experiences of Indigenous Peoples and how to contribute to reconciliation efforts in Canada.   
• A toolkit developed by Pathways to Prosperity provides a variety of practices and programs that can be used to address and improve each of the characteristics of a welcoming community including providing newcomers information about Indigenous Peoples. Have a look through the toolkit to see how you can building positive Indigenous-immigrant relations. 

Alberta-wide Events:

• Ceremony at the Alberta Legislature, Edmonton: Includes Elder guidance and prayer, smudging, performances and speeches.
  • When: September 30, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
  • Where: Kihciy Maskikiy / Aakaakmotaani Reconciliation Garden (east side of the Legislature grounds) 

Edmonton & Area:

• Fort Edmonton Park — Indigenous Peoples Experience: Join Fort Edmonton Park for a ticketed event offering an opportunity to learn the truths of Indigenous life before and after the formation of Canada. Admission is reduced ($5 for ages 12+)
  • When: Opening Ceremony at 9:30 am; Indigenous Peoples Experience from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm (Indigenous Peoples Experience only; other park attractions closed)
  • Where: Fort Edmonton Park

• TELUS World of Science, Edmonton: In recognition of Orange Shirt Day, and in the name of Truth and Reconciliation, TELUS World of Science – Edmonton is providing FREE Science Centre General Admission for Indigenous guests on Tuesday, September 30.
  • When: Tipi raising at 8:00 am; Opening prayer / smudging at 9:00 am
  • Indigenous vendors market, drum dance, round dance, tea ceremony, film screenings (IMAX) & more 
• National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – St. Albert (Mission Park, 12:00-4:00 pm) edmonton.ca 
• Strathcona County event – 1:30-3:30 pm at Festival Place, Sherwood Park edmonton.ca 

Calgary & Area:

• The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland 
  • Orange Shirt Day event: September 30, 9:00 am – 10:30 am  
  • We Are All Treaty People and related programming: September 30, 12:30 pm – 6:30 pm

• Pokaiks ‘The Children’ Commemorative Walk & Gathering: Join the annual Pokaiks ‘The Children’ Commemorative Walk and Gathering, hosted by the Pokaiks Reconciliation Society, to honour Indigenous children. Following the walk, the afternoon will feature Indigenous performances, storytelling, workshops, artisan showcases and family-friendly activities at Contemporary Calgary. Starting at Peace Bridge, with workshops, performances, storytelling, artisan showcases & family events at Contemporary Calgary.
  • When: September 30, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
  • Where: Starts at Peace Bridge

• Heritage Park, Calgary: “Truth and Reconciliation – Together as One”Join Heritage Park for a powerful day of learning and reflection on the journey of reconciliation. This year’s event features thoughtful programming throughout the park, with ceremonies, storytelling, cultural experiences. Free admission for those who self-identify as Indigenous (others pay regular admission).
  • When: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

• Angela Sterritt Presentation: Join the University of Calgary for a powerful keynote with award-winning journalist and author Angela Sterritt.
  • When: September 30, 12:30 pm – 1:45 pm
  • Where: Rosza Centre, Eckhardt-Gramatté Hall, UCalgary 

• Werklund Centre: National Day for Truth and Reconciliationat Werklund Centre is a day of reflection and learning, and an opportunity to honour the survivors of the Canadian residential school system. Join Werklund Centre on September 30thto honour and celebrate Indigenous ways of knowing and being: sign up for an Art Galleries Tour and Artist Talk featuring young Indigenous artists in the exhibition Etuaptmumk: The Art of Two-Eyed Seeing in STEAM; explore Indigenous artistry and culture at the Indigenous Makers Market & Pow Wow Showcase; immerse yourself in a transcendent auditory journey rooted in the spirit and rhythms of the land at Echoes of the Land.
  • When: September 30

Other Communities & Smaller Towns:

• Stony Plain: Skydancer Indigenous Cultural Centre Join community members to commemorate Truth and Reconciliation for this free event.
  • When: September 30
• Town of Canmore: The Town of Canmore welcomes all to gather in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
  • When: September 30, 12:00 – 3:30 pm 
  • Where: ArtsPlace, Canmore
• Town of Banff: The Town of Banff will have a Gentle Reflection Walk with Dani, granddaughter of a Metis residential school Survivor, on a gentle reflection walk to Bow Falls in honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The Town of Banff will also have film viewing of “Stories We Have Earned: The Stoney Nakoda Film Project” later that evening.  
• City of Lethbridge: Reconciliation Week in Lethbridge kicks off September 22, and there are plenty of opportunities throughout the week to come together, learn and reflect as a community. Give it a Try, hosted by the Lethbridge Sport Council is a free family-friendly event celebrates the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation through movement, play and connection.
  • When: September 30, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
  • Where: Legacy Park
• Airdrie: This powerful play celebrates Siksika (Blackfoot) history and traditions. It is inspired by the life of Chief Vincent Yellow Old Woman and his experience as a residential school survivor who went on to become Chief of Siksika Nation. Indigenous guests are complimentary, adults (18+) are $10 and youth (3 – 17) are $5 each.
  • When: September 30, 7:00 – 8:30 pm
  • Where: Bert Church LIVE Theatre, 1000 East Lake Boulevard NE
• Red Deer: The Kairos Blanket Exercise is a powerful interactive workshop that explores the historical and present-day relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada. Join the Red Deer Native Friendship Society as they aim to foster understanding and empathy by engaging participants on both intellectual and emotional levels.
  • When: September 26, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
  • Where: Festival Hall, 4214 58 Street, Red Deer

We encourage everyone to take part in these important events, learn from Indigenous voices, and reflect on our collective journey toward reconciliation.