Wednesday marks National Day of Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, a day that recognizes Indigenous survivors, their families, and communities while remembering the history of residential schools within Canada. In Toronto, there are multiple events dedicated to remembering and learning.
Sept. 30 is the annual day that the commemorative holiday falls on. It was implemented nationwide on June 3, 2021, in response to Call to Action 80 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
According to the federal government, it called on the federal government, in collaboration with Indigenous Peoples, to create a statutory holiday that would recognize Indigenous survivors, their families, and communities while sharing the history and legacy of residential schools, making sure they are nationally remembered.
Multiple events accompany the annual holiday, aimed at sharing knowledge and remembering Indigenous history together.
Here are a few events you can attend this Wednesday:
Indigenous Legacy Gathering
Where: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St. W.
The heart of downtown Toronto is being transformed into a free-to-attend cultural gathering space for the ninth annual Indigenous Legacy Gathering.
Hosted by the Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre, the three-day event runs from Sept. 28 to 30 and brings Indigenous communities and other residents together to learn, reflect, and connect ahead of and on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
This year’s theme is “wahkôhtowin,” a Cree-language word that describes the interconnectedness of people, animals, land, and the spirit world.
Throughout the gathering, visitors can take part in workshops, presentations, storytelling, teachings, dancing, and music. Indigenous organizations will also have tipis in the square, as part of an Indigenous Marketplace that will feature local artisans and vendors.
The Right to Truth: Protecting Indian Residential School Records
When: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview Ave.
The Yellowhead Institute and Indian Residential School Records Project are hosting a conversation about the preservation of residential school survivor records.
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. Organizers said the free event will look into what is at risk as thousands of survivor testimonies face possible erasure following the decision.
Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at the AGO
When: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Art Gallery of Ontario
The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) is marking the day through free programming centred on Indigenous art and artists.
Attendees can watch short films provided by the National Film Board and take part in guided tours that showcase work by Indigenous artists.
The AGO said on the event page that the programming provides an opportunity to remember the children lost to the residential school system and honour survivors, while also continuing to learn about the lasting impacts generations later on Indigenous families and communities.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in High Park
When: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: High Park
High Park is also hosting a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation gathering.
The event offers another opportunity for members of the community to come together in the park and mark the day through reflection and learning.
Through teachings, storytelling, reflection, and community gathering, attendees will have the chance to learn about Indigenous histories, cultures, stewardship, and the ongoing journey of reconciliation.
