Trigger warning: residential schools
September 30 marks both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day—two important commemorations of the lasting impact of residential schools and the ongoing work of kwayskahsatsowin (Conciliation).
To honour this important day, Athabasca University will be closed on Wednesday, September 30.
As the day approaches, I encourage all of us to deepen our commitment to kwayskahsatsowin, and to a year-round practice of learning, reflection, and action.
At AU, we embrace this commitment in our strategic plan, Like No Other; in our mission, focused on providing an accessible university education for everyone; and in the many efforts of team members and individuals across and beyond our university to support the principles of Truth and Reconciliation, foster decolonization, and value Traditional Indigenous Knowledge and Ways of Knowing.
I invite you to join me in commemorating September 30 by reading, watching, listening, and understanding more about the history and lasting legacy of residential schools. AU’s Indigenous leadership centre, Nukskahtowin, has assembled resources to support learning and reflection on this day and throughout the year. The °µÍø½ûÇøapplibrary has also compiled a list of resources and readings. There are also many events happening around Alberta and beyond to mark the day—you can find some of these below.
Additional information is available on the website of the and from the .
Sincerely,
Alex Clark
President
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Events
The following events are being held in communities across Alberta to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, Sept. 30, 2026.
Athabasca
- Athabasca Friendship Centre Orange Shirt Day Walk and Talk: 11:30 a.m., 4919 53 St., Athabasca. Call 780-675-3086 for more information.
Edmonton
- : Sept. 27, 12 to 6 p.m. at Kinsmen Park, 9100 Walterdale Hill NW
- : Sept. 29, 1 to 2 p.m. at the on the east side of the Legislature grounds
- : Sept. 30, 1:30 to 3 p.m., Amiskwaciy Theatre,
- : Sept. 30, 3:45 to 6 p.m. at Audrey’s Books, 10702 Jasper Ave.
St. Albert
- : Sept. 30, 12 to 4 p.m. at Mission Park
Stony Plain
- Sept. 30, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Heritage Park
Spruce Grove
- : Sept. 30, 6:30 p.m. at the Horizon Stage
Calgary
- : Sept. 30, 11:00 a.m. from the River Hall to Contemporary Calgary
- : Sept. 30, 6 p.m. at the Jack Singer Concert Hall
- : Sept. 30, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Confluence Historic Site and Parkland
- Explore more events:
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a federal statutory holiday commemorating and honouring the victims and survivors of residential schools, their families and communities.
Orange Shirt Day, also held on September 30, encourages us to wear orange, affirming that Every Child Matters.