National Day for Truth & Reconciliation: Sept 30, 2025

September 30th is the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day. It is a federally mandated statutory holiday in Canada to observe and reflect on lasting damage caused by the residential school systems in Canada. To learn more about the history of Orange Shirt Day, click here.

As an organization that exists to make public spaces, credible resources and opportunities for learning available to everyone, WPL is active in the work of truth and reconciliation. Preserving, amplifying and celebrating Indigenous stories is an important part of the work we do.

We commit to the daily work of reconciliation. This means learning and decision-making that recognizes the ongoing impact of colonialism as well as reflection, partnership and action that can make reconciliation possible.

Join us in reflecting and learning about the devastating impact of residential schools on Indigenous communities with a reading list, events and more resources.

Kairos Blanket Exercise

Blanket Exercise: Reconciliation Through Education and Understanding

Tuesday, September 23
6:00pm – 8:30pm
Main Library

 

This unique participatory history lesson fosters truth, understanding and respect. Facilitated by Indigenous elders, knowledge keepers and educators, the Blanket Exercise is an experiential teaching tool that explores the historic and contemporary relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in the land we now know as Canada.

Presented in partnership with Kairos Blanket Exercise.

Register

Resources & Learning Opportunities

Local & Nearby Events

  • Anishnabeg Outreach

    Anishnabeg Outreach is a local non-profit organization that provides Indigenous people with culturally-appropriate services, and strives to support individuals and provide assistance to overcome barriers. Anishnabeg Outreach helps the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities through their reconciliation training; learn more here.

    National Day for Truth & Reconciliation Event
    Tuesday, September 30 | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
    1160 Spitzig Rd., Woolwich
    Learn more here.

  • Community-powered Decolonization: Collective Strategies with Sarah Augustine and Friends

    Community-powered Decolonization: Collective Strategies with Sarah Augustine and Friends
    The Mennonite Central Committee welcomes Sarah Augustine, a respected Indigenous author and activist, to share insights from decades of practical work on peacebuilding and dismantling oppressive systems at the community level.

    Monday, September 29 | 7:00 – 9:00 pm
    Conrad Grebel University College Chapel
    140 Westmount Rd. N., Waterloo

    Wednesday, October 1 | 7:00 – 9:00 pm
    Shantz Mennonite Church
    2473 Erbs Rd, Baden, ON

    Learn more here.

  • Crow Shield Lodge

    Crow Shield Lodge provides Indigenous land-based education and healing to people of all Nations. Offerings include energy work and traditional doctoring by trained professionals for holistic wellness, purification ceremonies and sweat lodge, naming ceremonies, full moon ceremonies, fasting camp and ceremonies to acknowledge and honour all of our relations.

    Drum Birthing Ceremony
    Sunday, September 14 | 1:00 pm
    Crow Shield Lodge – 10 Huron Rd., Kitchener
    Learn more here.

  • Eternal Song Film Screening

    A Womb with a View presents a film screening of “The Eternal Song” to recognize National Truth & Reconciliation Day.

    The Eternal Song Film Screening
    Tuesday, September 30 | 5:30 – 8:30 pm
    Church of St. John the Evangelist
    21 Water St. N., Kitchener
    Learn more here.

  • National Centre for Truth & Reconciliation

    The National Centre for Truth & Reconciliation hosts Lunch and Learn webinars, an immersive experience to UN-learn the myths of colonial history in Canada.

    Lunch and Learn sessions are aimed at an adult audience, and open to the public, and will be hosted virtually over Zoom Webinar and streamed to YouTube.

    Monday, September 22 – Friday, September 26 | 1:00 pm
    Learn more here.

  • Ni Nagamoon: A Cultural Sharing Workshop

    Ni Nagamoon: A Cultural Sharing Workshop
    at IMPACT 25 International Theatre Festival
    Saturday, September 27 | 10:30 am – 11:40 am and 2:00 – 3:10 pm
    Schneider Haus – 466 Queen Street South. Kitchener
    Learn more here.

  • O:se Kenhionhata:tie

    O:se Kenhionhata:tie was formed by a group of TwoSpirit IndigiQueer folkx who have built a community for Two Spirit, queer, trans, or non-binary Indigenous and settler young people, and who advocated to the local governments for reconciliation through Calls to Action.

    Sacred Fire & Sacred Stories
    featuring stories about the Residential School System and the meaning behind Orange Shirt Day
    Sunday, September 21 | 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
    Victoria Park, Kitchener
    Learn more here.

  • University of Waterloo Office of Indigenous Relations

    The Office of Indigenous Relations is a central hub for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students, faculty, and staff, along with allies within the University of Waterloo community.

    Gidinawendamin/Ska’nikú•lát 22nd Annual Pow Wow
    Saturday, September 27 | 10:00 am – 5:30 pm
    Field 7 – Columbia Lake, Waterloo
    Learn more here.

    National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2025
    Tuesday, September 30 | 7:00 am – 1:00 pm
    B.C. Matthews Hall Green, 200 University Avenue West
    Learn more here.

  • Woodland Cultural Centre

    The Woodland Cultural Centre serves to preserve Indigenous history, art, language and culture. The Centre in Brantford is open to the public, and also runs virtual programming.

    National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Event
    Official unveiling of the former Mohawk Institute Residential School as an Interpretive Historic Site
    Tuesday, September 30 | 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
    Woodland Cultural Centre – 184 Mohawk Street, Brantford
    Learn more here.

More Resources

Waterloo Public Library

WPL’s Check It Out blog is your go-to destination for all things literary, curated with care by your trusted library staff. With insightful book reviews, reading suggestions, helpful resources and more, we’re here to inspire and guide you on your journey through all that the library has to offer.

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