National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Events and Resources

Monday, September 29, 2025

Every year on September 30th, we observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day. On this day, we remember the children who never returned home from residential schools, honour the survivors, their families and communities. 

As part of our commitment to learning more about this tragic history and the lasting impacts of the residential school system, there are many events around Ontario to attend and resources to show our support for past and current issues faced by the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.

The Toronto South West Local Immigration Partnership (TSWLIP) created this list of events and resources to help us honour this day. 

Events

Indigenous Legacy Gathering
Toronto Council Fire

When & Where: In person | September 20 & 30, 2025 | Nathan Phillips Square

Join in for the Annual Indigenous Legacy Gathering, a vibrant celebration of Indigenous culture, community, and intergenerational connection, held at Nathan Phillips Square.
Experience a day filled with traditional drumming, dancing, and teachings, as well as live performances and ceremonies that honour our shared histories and futures. Explore artisan booths, community services, and cultural organizations showcasing their work and stories.

Official Unveiling — National Day for Truth & Reconciliation: Woodland Cultural Centre Visit
North York Community House (NYCH) & Woodland Cultural Centre

When & Where: In person | Tuesday, September 30, 2025 | 10:00 AM–6:00 PM | Woodland Cultural Centre, 184 Mohawk St., Brantford, ON N3S 2X2.

Join TSWLIP as we join NYCH at the official unveiling of the former Mohawk Institute Residential School as an Interpretive Historic Site and Educational Resource. The day includes commemorations, self-guided tours, community activities, special programming, and a Project of the Heart activity led by NYCH.

Note: Bus pickup from the NYCH office at 7:45 AM (registration required). Limited transportation available. BBQ lunch available for $10 (consider bringing water/own lunch for dietary needs). Wearing an orange shirt is encouraged to honour Survivors.

2025 Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth & Reconciliation Commemoration
University of Toronto

When & Where: Hybrid | September 30, 2025 | 10: 00 AM - 11:30 AM

Honour the experiences of residential school survivors at a University-wide event to commemorate Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation.
The commemoration will feature Carey Newman, whose traditional name is Hayalthkin’geme. Newman is a multi-disciplinary artist, carver, filmmaker, author, and public speaker.

Ozaawaa Babigoyaan Giizhigad / Orange Shirt Day
Toronto Metropolitan University

When & Where: In person | September 30, 2025 | 9: 00 AM - 4:00 PM 

Ozaawaa Babigoyaan Giizhigad / Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation occur annually on September 30. It is a commemorative day of recognition and awareness-raising about the impacts of Canada’s Indian Residential School system and government policy imposed on Indigenous Peoples in Canada. Join and learn more.

Remembering the Children: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
National Centre for Truth & Reconciliation

When & Where: Parliament Hill, Ottawa | September 30, 2025 | 3:00 pm EDT

In honour of the fourth annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR), APTN, the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, CBC/Radio-Canada and the Algonquin Nation have united to produce a 90-minute multilingual commemorative gathering, entitled Remembering the Children: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Resources

Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Releases 2025 Progress Report on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) Calls for Justice, Highlighting Human Trafficking Crisis
In June 2025, the Assembly of First Nations released a national progress report tracking Canada’s response to the ongoing crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people. The report highlights human trafficking as an urgent threat and calls for sustained, community-led investments in safety, justice, and healing. This is a powerful resource for understanding the systemic barriers Indigenous communities face—and the kinds of actions needed now.
Access the full report

Indigenous Canada – Free Online Course (University of Alberta)

This 12-module course explores Indigenous histories and present-day realities. Designed to be accessible, it’s a great foundational learning tool for newcomers, educators, and frontline workers.
Enroll in free online courses

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) – Education Hub

A free and accessible archive of survivor stories, TRC reports, youth toolkits, and educational videos. This is a trusted resource for educators and organizations engaging in reconciliation.
Get more information

Toronto Aboriginal Support Services Council (TASSC)

Supporting Community Well-being: TASSC focuses on advocacy, research, and policy to uplift the socio-economic and cultural well-being of Indigenous communities in Toronto. This work is essential in advancing reconciliation efforts within urban settings.
Get Involved: Explore TASSC’s latest projects and resources and consider ways your organization can support Indigenous-led initiatives.
Get more information 

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