National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a time to reflect, learn, and take meaningful steps on the journey of reconciliation, one we must walk together with respect, accountability, and hope for a brighter future. On September 30, CUPS will be closed to give staff and community members space to honour this important day of truth-telling and remembrance.
We encourage everyone to mark the day in a way that is meaningful to you, whether by attending events, deepening your learning, or taking time for personal reflection. Across Calgary, there are many opportunities to gather, listen, and learn in the spirit of truth and reconciliation.
Here are some of the events happening this year:
Pokaiks: Reconciliation Walk & Event
Begins at the Peace Bridge and ends at Contemporary Calgary (701 11 St. S.W.)
September 30, 2025
- 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Reconciliation Walk
- 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. | Opening Ceremonies
- 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. | Performances, artisans, and community groups
- 5:00 – 5:30 p.m. | Closing Ceremonies
More details: pokaiks.org
Stardale Women’s Group: The Road to Truth
Grace Presbyterian Church Sanctuary
September 30 | 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
An evening of film, story, and reflection featuring Stardale members, Elders, and storytellers.
Register: Eventbrite link
Orange Shirt Day at The Confluence
The Confluence
September 30 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Free admission and a full day of programming:
- Circle Camp & Hunt House open
- Letter writing for reconciliation
- Walking tours (11 a.m. & 1 p.m.)
- Storytelling with Elder Minipoka (2–3 p.m.)
- We Are All Treaty People play (12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.)
More information: Orange Shirt Day at The Confluence — The Confluence
Heritage Park: Truth and Reconciliation – Together as One
Heritage Park
September 30 | 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Free admission for all who self-identify as Indigenous. The day includes:
- Ceremony, storytelling, and cultural experiences
- 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. | Beyond the Apology: Conversation with residential school survivor Rev. John Snow and Laurie MacKay of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church
- 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. | Reconciliation Stories of Strength: Indigenous art, music, and storytelling
More details: Heritage Park events
Calgary Public Library Events
Central Library & Locations Across Calgary
- Film Screening: Siksikakowan: The Blackfoot Man
Central Library | September 29 | 6:00 p.m. - Author Talk: Angela Sterritt
Award-winning journalist and bestselling author.
Central Library | September 30 - Indigenous Placemaking
Explore installations by Indigenous artists across 10 library branches, including Central, Crowfoot, Fish Creek, Forest Lawn, Saddletowne, Seton, Shawnessy, Signal Hill, Village Square, and Judith Umbach.
September 30 | 12:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Learn more: Calgary Public Library events
Werklund Centre, Arts Commons— National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
A rich program on September 30, including:
- Art Galleries Tour & Artist Talk — works by young Indigenous artists in the exhibition Etuaptmumk: The Art of Two-Eyed Seeing in STEAM
- Indigenous Makers Market & Pow Wow Showcase — Jack Singer Concert Hall Lobby, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Echoes of the Land — Engineered Air Theatre, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
- Elders Story Project — Jack Singer Concert Hall, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Learn more: Werklund Centre
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is not only a time of remembrance, but a call to action. At CUPS, we know this journey is ongoing and shared. We encourage our community to take part in these events, to listen deeply, and to reflect on how each of us can contribute to reconciliation in meaningful and lasting ways.