Culture Days commemorates the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

To acknowledge the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation federally commemorated and created to honour the lost children and survivors of residential schools and their families Culture Dayshas set Sept. 30, 2022 aside exclusively for Truth and Reconciliation-related events.

Here is a rundown of events taking place across the country, and online, in commemoration of the day:

Toronto, Ont.

Commemorate Truth & Reconciliation: Tomson Highway, Rebecca Cuddy, Sarain Fox, and more at the Royal Conservatory of Music

The Royal Conservatory starts the new Koerner Hall concert season by honouring the lives and knowledge of Indigenous people. Anishnaabe dancer, storyteller, and activist Sarain Fox guides an evening that includes Wiikwemkoong First Nation's Juno Award nominee Nimkii; then Mtis mezzo-soprano Rebecca Cuddy sings a song cycle by composer Ian Cusson and poet Marylin Dumont (both also Mtis) accompanied by the New Orford String Quartet and Philip Chiu. Tomson Highway will unveil his irreverent and freewheeling "Cree Country" band with singer Patricia Cano. Co-curated with Denise Bolduc.

This concert will be live-streamed on Friday, Sept. 30 via RoyalConservatory.live. Tune in online at 8 p.m. ET.

Guelph, Ont.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: Conversations in Pipigwan Flute with Rene Meshake organized by the City of Guelph Museums & Culture

Participate in the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with Ojibwe multidisciplinary artist and residential school survivor Rene Meshake. Rene will present Conversations in Pipigwan Flute, a presentation of Anishinaabe storytelling, poetry, music, and song.

This event is free, and in-person attendance requires advanced registration.

The event will also be livestreamed on our Facebook page for those wishing to tune in from home.

Garden River First Nation/Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.

Truth and Reconciliation Drone Show by Indigenous Tourism Ontario (ITO)

A story about Truth and Reconciliation will be illustrated through an intimate drone show with over 200 drones over the night sky in Garden River, accompanied by a story told in both Anishinaabemowin and English.

ITO is honoured to present the Weekend for Truth and Reconciliation in Sault Ste. Marie on Sept.30 and Oct. 1, 2022. The two-day event offers a free, family-oriented showcase of Indigenous arts, culture, and heritage and key educational opportunities surrounding Indigenous history and ongoing reconciliation efforts.

Winnipeg, Man.

National Day For Truth And Reconciliation at The Manitoba Children's Museum

The Children's Museum stands with Indigenous communities, and wishes to honour survivors and the children who never made it home. On Friday Sept. 30, the Manitoba Children's Museum will offer FREE general admission and invite guests on a journey of education and reflection with Louis Riel Institute for a Mtis Moccasin workshop and Mtis Paper Vest workshop on September 30 from 11:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m.

Guests of all ages are encouraged to wear an orange shirt to help raise awareness of the impacts of residential schools and in remembrance. Every child matters.

Saskatoon, Sask.

The Many Red Dresses for Awareness Project by April Doepker organized by Nuit Blanche Saskatoon

Mtis artist April Doepker's project titled "The Many Red Dresses for Awareness Project", honours the missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirited (MMIWG2S+), and shows support for their families, friends and communities. Attendees will have the opportunity to view the installation piece and take part in the installation by creating their own version of a miniature red dress using the materials provided by the artist. This installation will take place at Saskatoon Community Youth Arts Programming on Sept. 30, 2022 from 3 p.m.-6 p.m. as part of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Yorkton, Sask.

Orange Shirt Day organized by the Yorkton Tribal Council

On September 30, we encourage everyone to wear orange to raise awareness of the very tragic legacy of residential schools, and to the honour the thousands of Survivors. Join us in a walk starting at Yorkton Tribal Council, on King St., to City Centre park. Hear guest speakers and learn from Indian Residential School Survivors.

Vernon, B.C.

A special exhibition for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at the Museum and Archives of Vernon

On September 30th the Museum and Archives of Vernon (MAV) will host a special exhibition that honours the lost children and survivors of residential schools, their families and communities.

Short films will be played throughout the day and a discussion circle focused on our personal responsibility to the 94 Calls to Action will be held from 2 p.m. - 4. p.m..

Digital events

Here are some of the many digital experiences on offer September 30th, 2022. Browse through many more digital events and activities honouring this Day and accessible across the country.

Short film premiere: Weaving our Story Towards Reconciliation: by Pricilla Omulo, one of this year's B.C. Culture Days Ambassadors

Tsartlip First Nation artist Priscilla Omulo guides community members on kikm traditional territory, otherwise known as Port Coquitlam, through a journey of learning and reconciliation.

Video: Woodland Art from Art Gallery of Algoma

Woodland art is unmistakably recognizable through the bright colours, bold lines, heavy black outlines of forms, and X-ray views of people, animals, and spirits. The works often carry powerful messages, symbolism, and spirituality as they translate oral traditions into visual stories.

Presented by local Indigenous artist Lucia O'Connor Laford, this video will explore Woodland artworks and their stories and history.

Digital Recording: Oral History - Residential Schools by Mike Cachagee

In this oral history, Mike Cachagee shares his experiences in the Canadian Residential Schools including Shingwauk Residential School. He discusses the importance of Indigenous languages and how important it is to relearn the Indigenous traditions and skills that were taken because of the Residential School system.

Playlist: Voices of Bawating

The Sault Ste. Marie Public Library partnered with members from our local Anishinaabe community to create this Voices of Bawating video series in honour of National Indigenous Peoples Month. Each of the videos features artists from the local Indigenous community sharing a different form of artistic expression. On June 21, 2022, a number of local Indigenous leaders shared messages of what Indigenous Peoples Day means to them.

Digital Recording: Orange Shirt Day: Every Child Matters - Recorded Storytime with James Gordon

Join James Gordon for a virtual storytime as he reads Indigenous stories including The Orange Shirt Story by Phyllis Webstad.

By listening to the stories and experiences of Indigenous people, we can further honour and bring awareness to the victims and survivors of Residential schools and the importance of reflecting on that part of our country's history