Each year on September 30, people across Canada wear orange shirts and come together for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It’s a time to honour Survivors of residential schools, remember the children who never came home, and commit to ongoing learning and healing. In Northern Ontario, communities, municipalities, and Indigenous organizations host gatherings, ceremonies, and learning opportunities where everyone is welcome to listen, reflect, and take part.
Whether you’re a visitor or live here, showing up to these events is a meaningful way to connect, learn, and support Indigenous communities. And while you’re here, you can also explore Indigenous-owned tourism experiences that celebrate culture, resilience, and creativity across the North.
If we are missing an event happening in your Northern Ontario community email us at info@northernontario.travel to let us know.
Date: September 30, 2025
Time: TBD
Venue: N’Swakamok Native Friendship Centre, 110 Elm Street, Sudbury
Join the community at the N’Swakamok Native Friendship Centre for the annual Every Child Matters Walk. This event invites all to participate in a walk through downtown Sudbury, honouring the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools. The walk is accompanied by drumming, reflection, and community solidarity. The N’Swakamok Native Friendship Centre has been hosting this event annually to promote healing and reconciliation.
Date: September 30, 2025
Time: Starting at Lee Park, walk at 10am; opening ceremony at 11am
Venue: Lee Park to Kiwanis Bandshell, North Bay, Ontario
Join the community in North Bay as we march from Lee Park to the Kiwanis Bandshell to honour those affected by Indian Residential Schools. There will be speakers, drummers, signers, dancers, and information booths. Participants are encouraged to bring their feast bundles. The event is open to all, and aims to foster remembrance, respect, and healing.
Date: Throughout September
Date: Late September
Date: September 30, 2025
Timmins will mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with its annual Orange Bus campaign, now featuring the Mattagami First Nation logo. The McIntyre Headframe and other city signs will be illuminated in orange to honour the day. On September 30, the city will also host an event in collaboration with the Timmins Native Friendship Centre. Mayor Michelle Boileau emphasized the importance of this day in honouring residential school survivors and their communities. Residents are encouraged to wear an orange shirt and reflect on the significance of reconciliation. For more details, visit the City of Timmins Indigenous Relations and Inclusion page.
Date: September 25-30, 2025
Sault Ste. Marie will be hosting a series of events during Truth and Reconciliation Week from September 25-29, 2024, led by Sault College. These events will include educational sessions, an information table on Indigenous learning, and a flag-raising ceremony, with topics such as the significance of Orange Shirt Day, Indigenous heroes, and the 94 Calls to Action.
On September 30, Algoma University will commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with reflective activities at the Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre, focusing on Indigenous history and culture. Participants are encouraged to wear orange on September 30 to honour residential school survivors and those who did not return home.
Date: September 30, 2025
Location: Various locations around Thunder Bay
For Truth and Reconciliation Day on September 30, 2024, Thunder Bay has several events planned to commemorate the day and honour the legacy of Indigenous children affected by residential schools. Follow along on the Thunder Bay Indigenous Relations Facebook page.
Time: Registration at 7:30am; Races start at 8:30am.
Location: Boulevard Lake
Join this community run/walk to honour the Indigenous children affected by residential schools. Proceeds support the Mazinaajim Children’s Foundation. Registration is required. For more info & registration click here.
Everyone is welcome to attend these events to support truth, reconciliation, and healing.
To further your understanding and support of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, consider exploring the following resources:
Indigenous & Residential Schools: Documentary films from the National Film Board of Canada'
Indian Horse (Stephen Campanelli)
Smoke Signals (Chris Eyre)
Rhymes for Young Ghouls (Jeff Barnaby)
Reel Injun (Neil Diamond)
The Grizzlies (Miranda de Pencier)
This collection of events and resources aims to support meaningful reflection and education as we honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
