National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2026: Events and Ceremonies in Edmonton and Area
Friday, September 25 to Wednesday, September 30, 2026
On Wednesday, September 30, we pause to honour residential school Survivors, remember the children who never came home, and stand with Indigenous families across Treaty 6 and the Métis homeland. Here are the Truth and Reconciliation events happening in Edmonton and area this year, from ceremonies and walks to film screenings and family gatherings. Wear orange, bring the kids, and keep learning well past the 30th ☕
Edmonton Mama Pick
Fort Edmonton Park: Indigenous Peoples Experience
7000 143 Street NW, Edmonton | Wednesday, September 30
The day opens with a ceremony at the front entry, followed by sessions on residential schools, the Sixties Scoop, and a Maskwa Medicines healing circle. Kids 11 and under and all Indigenous guests are free, and strollers stay in the car since a free shuttle takes everyone down to the site.
Road Trip Pick
Métis Crossing: National Truth and Reconciliation Day
17339 Victoria Trail, Smoky Lake | Wednesday, September 30
An afternoon that opens with an Elder’s prayer and makes space for Survivors to share stories of growth and resilience, with tea and bannock for guests. It’s about an hour and a half from Edmonton and worth the drive.
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Royal Alberta Museum: Film Screening of WaaPaKe (Tomorrow)
9810 103A Avenue NW, Edmonton
RAM marks the day with a screening of WaaPaKe by Dr. Jules Arita Koostachin. Admission is always free for Indigenous Peoples.
Sunday, September 27
6th Annual Orange Shirt Day Run and Walk
Kinsmen Park, 9100 Walterdale Hill NW, Edmonton
Indigenous Runner hosts a round dance plus 2.15 km, 5 km and 10 km routes through the river valley. The 2.15 km distance is a great fit for little legs and Elders.
Tuesday, September 29
Free
Returning to Ourselves: Collective Healing at O-day’min Park
O-day’min Park, 10150 107 Street NW, Edmonton
Aboriginal Counselling Services of Alberta welcomes all ages to a free gathering of remembrance, reflection, learning and healing. A lovely chance to visit downtown’s newest park too.
Government of Alberta Commemoration
Kihciy Maskikiy / Aakaakmotaani Reconciliation Garden, east side of the Alberta Legislature Grounds, 10800 97 Avenue NW, Edmonton 1PM – 2PM
A community gathering in the reconciliation garden to honour Survivors, their families and the children who never came home.
Wednesday, September 30
Free
St. Albert: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Mission Park
Mission Park, 15 Mission Avenue, St. Albert
Guest speakers, knowledge keepers, performers, artisans and food vendors, plus an Honour Walk from Mission Park to Kâkesimokamik/The Healing Garden.
Free
Edmonton Short Film Festival: Truth and Reconciliation Screening and Author Event
Audreys Books, 10702 Jasper Avenue NW, Edmonton
Opens with a smudge led by Elder Terry Lusty, then short films and readings from local Indigenous filmmakers and authors, each followed by a Q and A. Free with registration (pay what you can is welcome).
Art Gallery of Alberta: Curator’s Tour and The Reciprocity Garden
2 Sir Winston Churchill Square, Edmonton
TD Curator of Indigenous Creativity Alaynee Goodwill-Littlechild leads a tour of What Shapes Us, plus programming in The Reciprocity Garden | wâhkôhtowin on the gallery terrace.
Free exhibition
Fort Saskatchewan: Gathering at Fort Heritage Precinct
Fort Heritage Precinct, 10006 100 Avenue, Fort Saskatchewan
Tea and bannock, a drum-led community walk on a paved 1.2 km loop, and free access to the Hear Our Voices: Michel People and Residential Schools exhibition beside the Healing Hands of Reconciliation tipi.
Devon: Journey of Reconciliation Walk
Pimiy Ôcenas Nâtawîhowin Askiy (Devon Healing Medicine Grounds), 10 River Drive, Devon
A community walk that begins and ends at the Medicine Park, with support workers on site offering cultural care and traditional medicines. Come with an open heart.
Around Edmonton This Week
- The High Level Bridge, Walterdale Bridge, City Hall, Muttart Conservatory, Commonwealth Stadium, Edmonton Tower and Rossdale Power Plant will be lit orange. A drive past with the kids is an easy conversation starter.
- Edmonton Public Library branches are closed on September 30 to observe the day, so plan any book pickups ahead.
Why This Day Matters
September 30 is also Orange Shirt Day, inspired by Phyllis Webstad, whose new orange shirt was taken from her on her first day at residential school. Attending a local gathering is one way families can show solidarity, learn together, and be part of reconciliation all year long.
If this day brings up hard feelings, the National Residential School Crisis Line is available 24/7 at 1-866-925-4419, and the Hope for Wellness Help Line is available 24/7 at 1-855-242-3310.
Save this guide, share it with a friend, and plan a meaningful way to honour the day with your family.
Edmonton Mama | Local family fun since 2011 | edmontonmama.ca