National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The federal government marks September 30 as a statutory holiday - the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day provides an opportunity to recognize and commemorate the tragic history and ongoing legacy of residential schools, and to honour survivors, their families and communities.
Residents are encouraged to attend community events and ceremonies marking the day, learn more about residential schools, consider what each of us can do to advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, and recommit to understanding the truth of our shared history.
Events
Every Child Matters Walk
N’Swakamok Native Friendship Centre invites you to join their annual community Every Child Matters Walk on September 30, 2025 at 9 a.m., starting at N’Swokamok Native Friendship Centre (110 Elm Street) and ending at Bell Park at York Street.
For details: N’Swakamok on Facebook
Truth. Resiliency. Hope
In recognition of the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, the Urban Indigenous Sacred Circle and Shkagamik-Kwe Health Centre invite you to TRUTH RESILIENCY HOPE. Join the Circle on September 30, 2025, at Bell Park, with opening remarks at 10 a.m. and a day of sharing to honour the children and families harmed by residential Indian Day Schools, and Sixties Scoop survivors.
To learn about the event, please visit: ndtr.indigenoussudbury.ca
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) is hosting a series of free, 50-minute virtual "Lunch & Learns" open to all. These sessions are an accessible way to engage with important topics and hear from Survivors, Elders, and leaders.
All programming will be hosted daily at 1 p.m. and is available in English, French, and ASL.
We encourage everyone to take advantage of these learning opportunities. To see the full schedule and register for one or more sessions, please visit the NCTR website.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Symposium at Laurentian University
On September 30, 2025, join Laurentian University for a day of informative events and activities in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Location: Indigenous Sharing & Learning Centre, Parker Building
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 1:20 p.m.
Keynote Speaker: Kimberly Murray, National Scholar, Queens University
For more, visit the Laurentian University website.
Resources
Below are some useful links and resources to increase your awareness and help answer questions you may have. This resource list is a good place to start but there are many other great resources available as well.
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation – Education Resources
The Seven Grandfather Teachings
17 books to read for Orange Shirt Day
Canadian National Film Board – Indigenous Film & Residential Schools
What Have you Heard? – an Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario resource
How to Become an Indigenous Ally
Greater Sudbury Public Library has books, ebooks, audiobooks and more to help patrons learn about residential schools and their impact.
- Adult Indigenous Reads
- Children and Teen Indigenous Reads: Part 1
- Children and Teen Indigenous Reads: Part 2
Films:
- Indian Horse (Stephen Campanelli)
- Smoke Signals (Chris Eyre)
- Rhymes for Young Ghouls (Jeff Barnaby)
- Reel Injun (Neil Diamond)
- The Grizzlies (Miranda de Pencier)
Additional Books:
- From the Ashes (Jesse Thistle)
- Johnny Appleseed (Joshua Whitehead)
- Anything by Thomas King
- The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven (Sherman Alexie)
- Indian Horse (Richard Wagamese)
- Moon of the Crusted Snow (Waubgeshig Rice)
- Dry Lips Oughta Move to Kapuskasing or The Rez Sisters (Tomson Highway)
- Split Tooth (Tanya Tagaq)
- Seven Fallen Feathers (Tanya Talaga)
- Bad Endings (Carleigh Baker)
- A Knock on the Door: The Essential History of Residential Schools from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada)