National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Wednesday, Sept. 30, marks National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. The day responds to Call 80 of the 94 Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. Sept. 30 is a day to honour Survivors, their families and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains central to the reconciliation process. 

It is also Orange Shirt Day, an Indigenous-led movement to discuss the effects of residential schools and their legacy and to share and learn from the stories of Survivors like Phyllis Webstad. 

Commemorations 

The community is invited to explore the 94 Calls to Actions, which will be displayed on panels in Confederation Basin from Sept. 28 to Oct. 2. On Sept. 30, City Hall will be illuminated in orange, and an Every Child Matters flag will be raised. The Every Child Matters Kingston Transit bus continues to raise awareness around the city. 

Beyond land acknowledgements: From Words to Transformative Change 

Sept. 27, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., The Spire, 2nd floor, 82 Sydenham St. 

Land acknowledgements have become a common starting point across Canada, but what comes next? 

Join respected Indigenous rights lawyer and author John A. Olthuis for a candid and thought-provoking conversation about moving beyond symbolic gestures toward real, systemic change. Drawing on decades of legal advocacy and insights from his book, this event will explore what it means to dismantle settler colonial systems and build more just relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. 

This is not just a conversation about reconciliation. It’s about responsibility, action and rethinking how our institutions share power, land and decision-making.

Registration is free, but tickets are limited; please register in advance to reserve your spot.

Transportation

Downtown parking is available on many streets and in nearby municipal lots and garages.

Learn more about parking at The Spire.

Taking transit? Use the Kingston Transit Trip Planner or the Transit app to plan your travel to the venue. The Downtown Transfer Point is approximately a five-minute walk to The Spire.

Community walk for truth and reconciliation  

Sept. 30, 5 to 7:30 p.m. starting at McBurney Park, 30 Alma St.

The community is invited to come together for a walk in recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. 

Things will begin at McBurney Park at 5 p.m. with a smudge and opening words, with the walk beginning at 5:30 p.m. Together, the group will head to Confederation Park, sharing drumming, singing and dancing along the way. All are invited to bring their prayers, drums, voices and regalia. 

The Every Child Matters Kingston Transit bus will accompany the walk for those requiring accessibility support and will provide transportation back to McBurney Park afterward. 

All are welcome to walk in remembrance, truth and community. 

This event is organized by the Walk for Truth and Reconciliation Working Group.