2026 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. 
• Take time to familiarize yourself with the Indian Act and its history to better understand the legislation that has shaped the relationship between First Nations and the Canadian government and continues to affect First Nations communities today. Reviewing the Act can be a useful starting point for personal learning and reflection on the historical and ongoing impacts of colonial policies in Canada.   
• 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. 
• The City of Edmonton’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation page provides information and video resources to learn more about the history and significance of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Orange Shirt Day, and the experiences of Indigenous Peoples. Explore the resources to deepen your understanding and reflect on how you can contribute to reconciliation. 
• ALIGNA’s Reconciliation Resources offers a collection of resources for learning about and honouring National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The guide includes recommendations for films and videos to watch, books and audiobooks to explore, ways to honour the day, and additional resources for learning more about Indigenous histories, experiences, and reconciliation in Canada. 

Support Services

If you need more support or information, these services are here to help:

• Indian Residential School Crisis Line: toll-free 1-866-925-4419
• First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness: 24/7 Help Line 1-855-242-3310
• Alberta Health Services Mental Health Help Line: toll-free 1-877-303-2642
• Indian Residential School Survivors Society: 24/7 Help Line 1-800-721-0066

Virtual Events Accessible to Albertans

• National Day for Truth and Reconciliation — Alberta Chambers of Commerce
  • When: Sep 30 | 10 am – 11 am
  • Where: Online
  • About: The Alberta Chambers of Commerce is pleased to welcome Cody Demarais, an award-winning Métis entrepreneur, author, keynote speaker and Chamber leader, for a virtual session with Alberta’s business community. Through personal storytelling and reflecting, Cody will share his perspective on identity, belonging and resilience, and explore the role community leaders can play in building stronger relationships and contributing to reconciliation in their organizations and communities.
• Truth & Reconciliation Virtual Session for Educators
  • When: Sep 30 | 5 pm
  • Where: Online
  • About: This “Walking Together: A Co-Storytelling Adventure) is the last session in a 3-part series. When we walk together in a good way, we learn to see and know the world through two eyes. This session honours Two-Eyed Seeing, the gift of multiple perspectives also known as Etuaptmumk in Mi’kmaw. Through interactive storytelling with the children’s book “Walking Together,” we will playfully co-learn together, applying Two-Eyed Seeing to nurture spirit, heart, mind, and body, and foster respectful, reciprocal relationships in and with nature, taking action for Truth and Reconciliation. A registration fee is required for this event.
• The Right to Truth: Protecting Indian Residential School Records
  • When: Sep 30 | 1 pm – 3pm
  • Where: Online
  • About: On September 30th, Yellowhead Institute is reclaiming the right to truth. After more than a decade of Truth and Reconciliation, Survivors, communities and advocates face new threats to justice for Survivors. In less than one year, the largest archive of Survivor testimony on residential schools is set to be destroyed by order of the Supreme Court of Canada. In the context of rising residential school denialism, this Yellowhead Fire, in collaboration with the Indian Residential School Records Project, is an important conversation at a critical juncture. Registration is required. 
• Anti-Indigenous Racism in Emergency Care
  • When: Sep 29 | 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
  • Where: Online
  • About: The Indigenous Health Office invites you to attend “Anti-Indigenous Racism in the Emergency Department”, a conversation with Dr. Tailfeathers (MD) and Dr. Patrick McLane (PhD). 

Edmonton & Area

• Annual Orange Shirt Day Run/Walk – RunConciliAction
  • When: Sep 27 | 12 pm
  • Where: Kinsmen Sports Centre, Walterdale Hill
  • About: 6th Annual Run/Walk to honour our little ancestors who did not survive the Residential school era and in support and solidarity for the survivors who fight everyday for healing and justice. This will be a combination of pavement and trail run through the beautiful YEG river valley trails starting at Kinsmen Park and includes three distances of 5 and 10 km and an Elder/Kids 2.15 km. All are welcome! 
• National Day for Truth and Reconciliation iyiniwak okiskêyihtamowiniwaw
  • When: Sep 30 | 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
  • Where: Fort Edmonton park
  • About: In partnership with the City of Edmonton, the Indigenous Peoples Experience at Fort Edmonton Park will be open as a ticketed event on Wednesday, September 30, offering you an opportunity to learn the truths of Indigenous life before and after the formation of Canada. Ages 12 and up are $5/guest.  
• Honouring the Walk of Healing: Through Stories
  • When: Sep 30 | 9 am – 3 pm
  • Where: Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society (11648 85 St)
  • About: Join Bent Arrow for entertainment, crafts and activities, keynote speakers and breakout storytelling sessions on the past and future of Indigenous Peoples on Turtle Island. The event will be hosted in Bent Arrow’s gymnasium and will include breakfast and lunch.  
• National Truth and Reconciliation Day 2026 – Métis Crossing
  • When: Sep 30 | 1 pm – 4 pm
  • Where: Métis Crossing
  • About: On the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Métis Crossing will be hosting a day of reflection, learning, and celebration. The event will begin with a welcome and opening prayer led by our Elder. We are honoured to feature keynote speakers including Senator Patti LaBoucane-Benson. Guests will be invited to enjoy tea and bannock provided by Métis Crossing. As part of the programming, we will explore reconciliation through the arts. Join us as we come together to honour this important day, celebrate Métis culture, and reflect on the path toward reconciliation. 

Calgary & Area

• Orange Shirt Day – The Confluence
  • When: Sep 30 | 9 am – 10:30 am
  • Where: The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland
  • About: Attend presentations from the Mayor, Indigenous Elders and school board representatives at The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland. Wearing orange is encouraged to show support and honour the children who never returned from residential schools. 
• Pokaiks Reconciliation Walk
  • When: Sep 30 | 11 am – 5:30 pm
  • Where: River Hall (311 8 St SW next to the 10 St Bridge)
  • About: 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.
• National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Heritage Park
  • When: Sep 30 | 10 am – 3 pm
  • Where: Heritage Park
  • About: Join Heritage Park for a powerful day of learning and reflection on the journey of reconciliation. This year’s event features thoughtful programming through the park. This event is free for individuals who self-identify as Indigenous, and is $15 for all other attendees. 
• National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Werklund Centre
  • When: Sep 30 | 11 am – 9:30 pm
  • Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall
  • About: The Werklund Centre will honour residential school survivors and celebrate Indigenous ways of knowing and being through diverse programming, including an Art Galleries Tour and Artist Talk, and Indigenous Makers Market and Pow Wow Showcase, the immersive sound experience Echoes of the Land, and the Elders Story Project, and evening during which Elders share their stories of residential schools and healing journeys.  

Other Communities & Smaller Towns

• Red Deer – Community Gathering for ReconciliACTION
  • When: Sep 30 | 8 am – 9 pm
  • Where: Red Deer Museum and Art Gallery (4525 47A Ave)
  • About: On September 30, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a collective of our Indigenous community members, partners, and friends will host the Community Gathering for ReconciliACTION. The collective has planned a Pipe Ceremony, storytelling, films, Indigenous games, a BBQ, Community Round Dance, and a space for reflection, connection, and art making. Everyone is welcome and there is no cost to attend.  
• Spruce Grove – Horizon Stage National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
  • When: Sep 30 | 6:30 pm
  • Where: Horizon Stage Performing Arts Centre
  • About: Join Horizon Stage for an evening of reflection and connection as we mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This gathering creates space to journey through the truths of Canada’s past, deepen our understanding of the present, and envision a future rooted in respect, justice, and shared responsibility. Through stories, reflections, and open conversation, we will honour the lived experiences of Indigenous Peoples and confront the ongoing impacts of colonialism. This is a time to listen, learn, and explore how each of us can commit to the work of healing and reconciliation. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions, either in real time or anonymously. All are welcome. To close the evening, tea, bannock, and light refreshments will be served. Emotional Support will be available throughout the event. 
• Strathcona County – Orange Shirt Day Event
  • When: Sep 30 | 2 pm – 3:30 pm, smudging begins at 1 pm
  • Where: Festival Place (100 Festival Way, Sherwood Park)
  • About: Wear orange and join Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Keepers and keynote speaker Bert Crowfoot to honour those affected by residential and day schools. Hot chocolate and bannock will be offered, and the event will conclude with an honour walk. All are welcome to join smudging beginning at 1 pm.  
• St. Albert – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
  • When: Sep 30 | 12 pm – 4 pm
  • Where: Mission Park (15 Mission Avenue)
  • About: Join the City of St. Albert for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Mission Park this September 30 to honour the survivors of and the children who never returned home from residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Enjoy guest speakers, knowledge keepers, performers, local artisans, exhibits, and food vendors. Join others from the community for an Honour Walk from Mission Park to Kâkesimokamik/The Healing Garden.
• Sucker Creek First Nation’s Memorial Round Dance
  • When: Sep 30 | 4 pm – 10 pm
  • Where: Sucker Creek Recreation Center
  • About: Sucker Creek First Nation invites everyone to come together on September 30, 2026 for a Memorial Round Dance in honour of our beloved ones who are no longer with us, and in honour of residential school survivors. Everyone is welcome. Please join us for an evening of remembrance, honour, community, and togetherness. No drugs or alcohol allowed. For more information, please contact Tanis at 780-536-7266. 
• Cochrane – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Community Event
  • When: Sep 30 | 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
  • Where: The Station at Cochrane Crossing (360 Railway St W, Cochrane)
  • About: Join Cochrane at The Station for a community-wide event honouring Truth and Reconciliation Day. A variety of activities will be offered by local organizations. No registration required.
• Stony Plain – Together for Truth and Reconciliation
  • When: Sep 30 | 10 am – 12 pm
  • Where: Heritage Park (5100 41 Ave, Stony Plain)
  • About: Join the Town of Stony Plain for a meaningful day of reflection, learning, and connection as we honour Indigenous voices and experiences. The event will feature a welcome, an engaging presentation with Lance Cardinal, Reconciliation Moments and live music by the Stirling John Band. Enjoy tea and Bannock as we gather in the spirit of reconciliation and community. All are welcome, and orange shirts are encouraged. 
• Medicine Hat – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
  • When: Sep 30 | 5 pm – 7 pm
  • Where: Medicine Hat College
  • About: Medicine Hat College (MHC), in partnership with the Miywasin Friendship Centre and the Firekeepers Women’s Society, welcomes the community to campus on Wednesday, Sept. 30 from 5 to 7 p.m. to honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.  

We know that this list is not comprehensive, and there are many meaningful National Day for Truth and Reconciliation events taking place across Alberta that may not be included here. We encourage everyone to take part in events in their own communities, learn from Indigenous voices and perspectives, and take time to reflect on our collective journey toward reconciliation. We also encourage you to look into events happening near you that may not be captured on this list and to share these opportunities with others in your community.