National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2023

In 2021, September 30 officially became the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada and a day to remember those who have been and continue to be harmed by the impacts of residential schools. 

At The51, we encourage “listening, learning, reflecting, supporting, and using our positions and privileges to act” (as said by Culture Days) and, of course, to wear orange. It’s important that we all read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action and investigate what we and our business are currently doing and could do more to answer the CTAs.

Leading up to the day, we will—and we encourage everyone to—acknowledge and better understand the history and harms done and participate in programs local to you to learn more.

Being a national firm and platform, we try to recognize, be aware of what is happening, and connect with communities across Canada. This is far from a comprehensive list of events happening across the country. We know there are many more, which we would appreciate learning about too.

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National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

Sept 25–30: Truth and Reconciliation Week 2023 Public Lunch and Learns
The 50-minute sessions will begin at 12:30 CDT each day.

• September 25: Indigenous peoples and the history of residential schools


• September 26: Unconscious bias and debunking stereotypes


• September 27: Intergenerational impacts and ongoing systemic discrimination


• September 28: Indigenous peoples’ rights and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples


• September 29: Taking action toward reconciliation

Alberta

• Alberta.ca

  • Sept 29: Reconciliation garden opening – ‘Kihciy Maskikiy / Aakaakmotaani’

  • Sept 22–Oct 2: Events throughout Alberta (including Edmonton, Calgary, Banff, Lethbridge, Morinville, St. Paul, Wainright)

• Calgary.ca

  • Sept 30: Event and recognitions in and around the Calgary

• Edmonton.ca

  • Sept 16–Oct 1: Events in and around Edmonton

British Columbia

• Indigenous Tourism BC

  • Sept 27–30: Events throughout BC (including Vancouver, Chilliwack, Whistler, Osoyoos, Williams Lake, Victoria, Quesnel, Surrey, Coquitlam, Salmon Arm, Maple Ridge)

Manitoba

• Southern Chiefs' Organization Inc.

  • Sept 29–30: Events throughout southern Manitoba

• Winnipeg Art Gallery

  • Sept 30: Hosting a special day of programming

• The Manitoba Museum

  • Sept 30–Oct 2: Orange Shirt Days with special, all day programming

New Brunswick

• Town of Saint Andrews

  • Sept 30: Solemn walk, smudge, silent walk, Goodwill donations to Truth and Reconciliation Fund

Nova Scotia

• Halifax.ca

  • Sept 30–Oct 2: Ceremonies and events in and around Halifax

• Saint Mary’s University

  • Sept 28: Events around campus

Ontario

• Indigenous Tourism Ontario

  • Sept 29–30: Events and activities at SKG’s campus in Baawaating (aka: Sault Ste Marie)

• Curiocity Toronto

  • Sept 29–30: Events in and around Toronto

Prince Edward Island

• Indigenous PEI

  • Sept 30: Events and recognition through PEI

Quebec

• Plains of Abraham

  • Sept 30: Musée ambulant's Echoes/de awehskwahk event

• Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

  • Sept 30: Event presented by Bourgie Hall, in collaboration with the Festival international de la littérature (FIL) and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA)

Saskatchewan

• CPHR Saskatchewan

  • Sept 25–30: Events and activities throughout Saskatchewan

• Family Fun Saskatoon

  • Sept 30–Oct 1: Events in and around Saskatoon

• Tourism Regina

  • Sept 30: Activities at the RCMP Heritage Centre

Yukon

• Council of Yukon First Nations (Facebook)

  • Sept 30: Reconciliation ceremonies in partnership with Yukon Residential Schools Missing Children Project and Walking Warriors for the Lost Children Northern Nations Alliance.

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Thank you for reading and taking the time to do your own reflecting and participating this week and beyond.