National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2026

September 30th marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day to honour Survivors, remember the children who never returned home, and recognize the ongoing impacts of the residential school system on Indigenous Peoples, families and communities.

Across Greater Victoria, there are many ways to come together, learn, reflect and honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This September 30th, we encourage our community to show up, listen and learn, support Indigenous-led spaces and initiatives, and reflect on how each of us can contribute to reconciliation beyond a single day.

Hosted by Songhees Nation, the 5th Annual South Island Powwow brings people together through Indigenous song, dance, culture and community. Held in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the gathering creates space for connection, remembrance and the sharing of culture and traditions.

Where: Royal Athletic Park, 1014 Caledonia Ave, Victoria, BC
Gates Open: 10:00 am
Grand Entry: 12:00 pm
Admission: Free
Everyone Welcome

Truth & Reconciliation: A Gathering of Remembrance & Care: An evening dedicated to reflection, remembrance and community in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Through shared stories and conversation, the gathering will acknowledge the lasting impacts of colonialism and the residential school system while creating an opportunity for people to connect, listen and reflect together.

Date: September 30th, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: SNIWWOC Office, 990 Hillside Ave, #204, Victoria, BC

The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria invites the community to spend September 30th engaging with As waters merge—swaying waves beckoning us closer. The exhibition brings together Indigenous art and voices that explore relationships to land, water, culture and community. Visiting the exhibition offers a space to spend time with these works, learn from the perspectives being shared, and reflect on their connection to the broader conversations around truth and reconciliation.

Date: September 30th, 2026
Admission: Free

UVic is hosting a range of Orange Shirt Day events, talks and learning opportunities leading up to September 30th. The schedule includes a talk with Ry Moran, who previously served as Director of Statement Gathering for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission; a film screening and Q&A with Indigenous author and storyteller Richard Van Camp; a talk with artist and educator Mike Dangeli on self-decolonization and reconciliation; and a book discussion with Pacheedaht Elder Bill Jones and Karen Moe.

The full schedule also includes workshops exploring the REDress movement, Indigenous rights and UNDRIP, the TRC Calls to Action, Indigenous law and more. It’s a great opportunity to explore different topics, hear from Indigenous speakers and educators, and find learning opportunities that you can continue engaging with beyond September 30th.

Rhymes for Reconciliation returns for its second year, bringing people together through music, spoken word and live performance. The evening creates space for Indigenous artists and voices while using music and storytelling as a way to connect, share and engage in conversations around truth and reconciliation.

Location: Lucky Bar, 517 Yates Street, Victoria, BC

Capital Bike, in partnership with Victoria Orange Shirt Day and Songhees community members, is hosting the 6th Annual Ride & Reconciliation. The morning begins with presentations at Songhees Point Park before participants take part in a 9.2 km community bike ride to the South Island Powwow at Royal Athletic Park. The family-friendly ride is open to cyclists of all ages and abilities.

Date: September 30th, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Starting Location: Songhees Point Park, 50 Songhees Rd, Victoria, BC
Distance: Approximately 9.2 km

We encourage everyone to wear orange on September 30th in support of the Every Child Matters message and to honour Survivors, their families, and the children who never returned home.

If you’re purchasing an orange shirt, take a moment to consider where it comes from and who your purchase supports. Look for official Orange Shirt Day retailers and partners, Indigenous-owned businesses, or organizations where proceeds directly support Indigenous communities and reconciliation initiatives.

Visit the official Orange Shirt Day website to learn more and find information on purchasing an official orange shirt.

Reconciliation requires ongoing learning. Take time to learn about the histories and present-day experiences of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples, the residential school system, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, and the Indigenous Nations whose territories you live and work on.

IPC has gathered Indigenous-focused resources, reports, tools and learning materials to support continued learning. Check them out here

Supporting Indigenous-owned businesses is one way to put economic reconciliation into action. Make Buy Indigenous part of your everyday purchasing, whether you’re shopping, hiring a service, sourcing for your organization or looking for new partnerships. Being intentional about where you spend can help support Indigenous entrepreneurs, businesses and communities.

Explore the Indigenous Business Directory to discover Indigenous-owned businesses, products and services across Vancouver Island.

If you are able, consider donating directly to organizations supporting Indigenous communities, Survivors, families and ongoing reconciliation work.

• Indian Residential School Survivors Society
• Victoria Native Friendship Centre
• Orange Shirt Society

Indian Residential School Survivors Society Crisis Line provides 24-hour support for Survivors and their families.
Toll-free: 1-866-925-4419

First Nations Health Authority Mental Health Benefits provides access to mental-health and counselling supports for eligible First Nations people in BC.

Vancouver Island Crisis Line provides 24-hour crisis support, 365 days a year.
Toll-free: 1-888-494-3888

KUU-US Crisis Line Society provides 24-hour Indigenous crisis support across BC.
Adults/Elders: 250-723-4050
Children/Youth: 250-723-2040
Toll-free: 1-800-588-8717

Reconciliation does not begin and end in one day.

Continue learning about the Nations whose territories you live and work on. Read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. Support Indigenous businesses, artists and organizations. Attend Indigenous-led events throughout the year. Examine where Indigenous voices and perspectives are missing in your workplace or community. Learn how to pronounce the names of local Nations and communities. Listen when Indigenous people share their experiences, without expecting them to provide your education.

When offering a land acknowledgement, consider what comes after the words. Ask yourself what responsibilities come with living, working and gathering on Indigenous lands, and how those responsibilities can be reflected through meaningful action.

September 30th is one day.

Our commitment to learning, listening and reconciliation should continue throughout the year.