National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Sept. 30, 2026
Free
English:
- 9 am to 5 pm
French:
- 9 am to 5 pm
September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day. This day recognizes the legacy of residential schools and honours the victims and Survivors of residential schools, their families, and their communities.
Part of the role of the Canadian War Museum and the Canadian Museum of History is to share stories and provide opportunities to learn more about lesser-known parts of our history. We are collaborating with Indigenous communities and Survivors to revise the information on residential schools and Indigenous histories in our exhibitions and programs to ensure they reflect the evolving situation and centre the experiences of Survivors. This important work continues.
MUSEUM ACCESS ON WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30
The Museum is open from 9 am to 5 pm, with free admission all day.
Don’t forget to reserve your ticket in advance.
10 am
Live broadcast viewing of morning ceremony – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Watch a live broadcast of the meaningful morning ceremony being held in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at the Canadian Museum of History.
The ceremony will begin with a traditional prayer and smudging, grounding the event in respect and intention. Participants will hear reflections on the significance of the Indian Residential School Memorial Monument and on the ongoing journey of truth and reconciliation. A moving cultural performance featuring Indigenous dancers and drummers will follow.
The ceremony will also include a powerful testimonial from an Elder from Bkejwanong First Nation who attended an Indian Day School and was later separated from his family during the Sixties Scoop.
The ceremony will close with a prayer and song, honouring the strength and legacy of the children who never returned home and those who survived.
Jade, Stanley C. Hunt’s granddaughter, with the Monument.
Image courtesy of Nicole Hunt.
Time: 10 am
Location: Barney Danson Theatre
Fees and booking information: Free
Mental health supports available
A National Indian Residential School Crisis Line provides emotional support and crisis referral services for former residential school students and their families. These services are available free of charge, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 1-866-925-4419.
Indigenous people across Canada can also access the Hope for Wellness Helpline. Call the toll-free helpline at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat (please use Google Chrome).
