National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Sept. 30, 2024 marks the third annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. It is also Orange Shirt Day, an Indigenous-led movement created as an opportunity to discuss the effects of residential schools and their legacy and to share and learn from the stories of Survivors like Phyllis Webstad. It is a celebration of resilience and an affirmation that every child matters.

Learn more about Call 80 of the 94 Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and find reconciliation learning resources and reports.

When and where? 

On Monday, Sept. 30, 2024 at City Hall, Confederation Basin and Confederation Park.

Activities 

We encourage Non-Indigenous community members to attend, listen, learn, and reflect on the history of Canada’s residential school system and the lived experiences of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples.

City Hall and Confederation Park

• City Hall orange illumination from sunset to sunrise 
• City Hall will raise the Every Child Matters flag
• We will unveil a newest bus, the "Every Child Matters bus", and display 94 Calls to Action panels in Confederation Basin, featuring an interactive activity.
• Indigenous-led events and ceremonies will occur throughout the community, creating space for Indigenous Peoples to connect and honour the day. 
• Stop in front of the fountain and reflect on the legacy of residential schools at a temporary installation sharing the 94 Calls to Action starting September 26th.

Local gatherings

"Returning Home" at the Screening Room, 5:30 p.m.
In honour of Orange Shirt Day, the Sexual Assault Centre Kingston and the Kingston Native Centre and Language Nest are hosting a free film screening of the documentary “Returning Home” at the Screening Room. Reserve tickets through EventBrite.

Walk for Truth and Reconciliation from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Organized by community members, this walk will begin at McBurney Park and will continue down Princess St. to a gathering at Confederation Basin. There will be traditional food, a sacred fire and speakers from the community at the gathering.

Sacred Fire at Agnes Benidickson Field at 1:15 pm
Hosted by Queens University. This event will include speeches from invited guests as we acknowledge the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Speakers to begin at 1:30 p.m. Learn more information about  2024 Queens' Events and Initiatives.

Online events and broadcasts

• APTN special programming. In partnership with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) APTN is once again producing a 90-minute live broadcast and national commemorative gathering called Remembering the Children: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which will take place on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, starting at 3 p.m. This event seeks to honour Survivors, pay tribute to the children who never made it home from residential schools, and deliver a safe and nurturing environment for reconciliation and healing. This year’s gathering will encompass sacred ceremonies, powerful reflections from esteemed Elders and Survivors and moving performances by First Nations, Inuit and Métis artists. 
• Kingston Public Library - Truth and Reconciliation Reading Challenge (Sept 30-Oct 31). Read Indigenous and explore themes of Truth and Reconciliation and get entered to win prizes including books from the First Nations Community Reads list for this year, or a gift card to local Indigenous businesses. Join on the free reading platform, Beanstack.
• Lunch and Learns available to the public from the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation Sept. from 23 to 27.