Every September 30th, Canadians across Turtle Island dress in orange shirts to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. As Orange Shirt Day, its other namesake, honours the multi-generational trauma experienced by countless Indigenous people, it’s important to go beyond merely wearing an orange tee for one day of the year. Here, we’ve put together a list of places that you can visit to learn more about Indigeneity.
Museum of Anthropology – Vancouver, BC
If you find yourself around Vancouver, make your way to the Museum of Anthropology (MOA). Tucked in the corner of the scenic University of British Columbia campus, the MOA offers a wealth of amazing artifacts and Indigenous art. There’s also a series of rotating audiovisual exhibitions to learn from, often touching on the experiences of Indigenous peoples from all around the world. Travelling on a budget? Time your visit right and head over on a Thursday evening for half-price entry.
Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park – Siksika, AB
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About an hour drive outside of Calgary is the Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park in Siksika. The park is an expanse of natural scenery with a picturesque sustainable museum housing multiple interactive exhibits. Dedicated to the promotion and preservation of the Siksika Nation’s language, culture, and traditions, Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park is the perfect place to spend Orange Shirt Day.
NCTR Youth Empowerment Gathering – Halifax, NS
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Are you a teacher looking to give your students a meaningful way to honour Orange Shirt Day? Head to the annual National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation Youth Empowerment Gathering. Held in Halifax, Nova Scotia on September 18th, this year’s theme is “The Gifts We Carry.” There, students will get the opportunity to hear straight from residential school Survivors and watch performances by Indigenous artists.
The híwus Feasthouse on Grouse Mountain – North Vancouver, BC
Travelling as a big group looking for an incredible educational experience? Take a ride up the gondola to the top of Grouse Mountain. From there you can make your way over to the híwus Feasthouse for a full-day program or a 45-minute presentation on Squamish culture. Held in a Pacific Northwest Longhouse, you and your tripmates can learn from Indigenous storytelling, eat a traditional West Coast lunch, and even step outside for a guided Ecowalk. Make sure to book ahead as this experience doesn’t allow for walk-ins.
Remembering the Children: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Parliament Hill – Ottawa, ON
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On September 30th, the fourth National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, you can attend Remembering the Children. This gathering will honour Canada’s Indigenous peoples through a multilingual commemorative program right on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. Arrive well before three in the afternoon to secure your spot near the main stage and don’t forget your orange tee!
Miles Canyon Tour – Whitehorse, YT
Spending some time in the north? Take a trip to Whitehorse and go on a tour of Miles Canyon. There, you can get a beautiful view of the Yukon River paired with insights on the river’s historical significance to the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council. Available between May and October, make your way to Miles Canyon before the next big snowfall!
It’s important to honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation each year – paying tribute to and learning about the Indigenous communities affected by the residential school system. With that, I think we can all go even one step further and employ practices of truth and reconciliation beyond September 30th and into our day-to-day lives.
Safe travels,
Jacqueline
