Vancouver-area arts organizations mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2025
Jingle dance, concerts, films, and hands-on art as programming at several local venues takes place on and around September 30
Sugarcane.
THE NATIONAL DAY FOR Truth and Reconciliation is a federal statutory holiday in Canada, observed each year on September 30.
It was established in 2021 to honour the children who never returned home from residential schools, the survivors, their families, and their communities. The day is meant to encourage public commemoration, reflection, and education about the lasting impacts of the residential school system and the broader history of colonialism in Canada.
Many people also wear orange shirts on this day (often called Orange Shirt Day) to remember survivors and raise awareness, inspired by the story of Phyllis Webstad, a residential school survivor whose new orange shirt was taken from her on her first day at school.
In addition to ongoing Indigenous-themed productions including Touchstone Theatre’s Women of the Fur Trade and Arts Club Theatre Company’s You used to call me Marie…, several local arts organizations have special programming to mark the occasion, some on the date itself and some in the days leading up to it.
“Bill Reid Remembers”.
Films for Truth And Reconciliation at the Polygon Gallery
The Polygon Gallery is marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by screening a series of National Film Board shorts on September 30 from 10 am to 3 pm. Films include Kevin Papatie’s “The Amendment” (2007); Marvin Midwicki’s “Wandering Spirit Survival School” (1978); Alanis Obomsawin’s “Richard Cardinal: Cry From a Diary of a Métis Child” (1986) and “Bill Reid Remembers” (2021); and “These Are My People…” (1969), directed by Roy Daniels, Willie Dunn, Michael Kanentakeron Mitchell, and Barbara Wilson.
Culture Club at Museum of Anthropology
The monthly series at UBC’s Museum of Anthropology has a special program on September 28 from 11 am to 2 pm, showcasing short films and storybooks created by celebrated Indigenous storytellers. Young visitors will be able to participate in a foam-relief printmaking activity, which involves transferring quotes, ideas, and lessons that move them to action onto a fabric banner as a living, family commitment.
Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre.
Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre
Whistler’s Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre commemorates the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30 from 10 am to 5 pm with free admission and a day of reflection, stories, learning, and contemplation. Highlights include the storytelling of the Skwxwú7mesh and Líl̓wat7úl peoples, guest speakers, the Truth in Truth and Reconciliation educational board game, and the Spo7ez Artist Market.
Sugarcane Film Screening at Pacific Theatre
On September 29 at 7 pm, Pacific Theatre hosts a special screening of Sugarcane, Julian Brave NoiseCat and Emily Kassie’s Oscar-nominated documentary exploring Indigenous communities’ experiences following the 2021 discovery of unmarked children’s graves at the Kamloops residential school. Hosted by Jodi Spargur, the evening includes a facilitated discussion and post-screening resources, with all proceeds supporting the Indian Residential School Survivors Society.
Nyla Bedard. Photo by Nico Dicecco
The Jingle Dance at VPL Fraserview Branch
In partnership with Raven Spirit Dance, the Vancouver Public Library presents an interactive workshop with powwow dancer Nyla Bedard of the Tahltan Nation on September 27 from noon to 1 pm. Kids in kindergarten through Grade 7 have the opportunity to learn about the Jingle Dance, explore the meaning behind the regalia and watch live dance snippets performed by Bedard.
Truth & Reconciliation Day at MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver
MONOVA’s pay-what-you-can program on September 30 from 11 am to 3:30 pm features hands-on activities, crafts, learning about Indigenous rights and the meaning of Orange Shirt Day, and Coast Salish culture-sharing through storytelling, drumming, and singing led by Indigenous cultural programmers. 
Related Articles
