National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Press Release

September 11, 2025

Find out how the City is honouring the National Day for Truth and Reconcilation on September 30.

September 30 is recognized as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – a day to recognize the history and impact of the residential school system. Coinciding with Orange Shirt Day, it honours the resilience and strength of Indigenous communities and survivors, while remembering the children who never returned home.

The City encourages all residents to meaningfully reflect on this day and support ongoing efforts toward truth, healing, and reconciliation.

Ways to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

There are several opportunities to recognize this day in Surrey, ranging from personal learning to joining a community-led event.

Participate

• September 13 and 20: Visit Totest Aleng: Indigenous Learning House for Open House: Orange Shirts to learn about the significance of the orange t-shirt and share what Every Child Matters means to you
• September 15: Join the Reconciliation Talking Circle at Surrey Libraries’ City Centre Branch. Discuss the 94 Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and partake in a smudging ceremony with Knowledge Keeper Glenn Vance
• September 20: Partake in Historic Stewart Farm and Totest Aleng: Indigenous Learning House’s Harvest Fair to connect with the land, take part in a drumming circle, and more
• September 29: Attend Surrey Urban Indigenous Leadership Committee, Skookum Surrey, and the Fraser Region Aboriginal Friendship Centre Association’s Orange Shirt Day at Holland Park for an afternoon of drumming, dancing, and cultural sharing
• September 30: Wear an orange shirt to honour the survivors of residential schools
• September 30: Take a moment to reflect at Surrey Civic Plaza as City Hall will be illuminated in orange
• Explore Surrey’s Indigenous Public Art Collection
• Visit the Museum of Surrey’s Indigenous Hall, produced in partnership with Semiahmoo First Nation, Kwantlen First Nation, and Katzie First Nation

Learn

• View book recommendations from Surrey Libraries:
  • Adults
  • Teens
  • Kids
• Review the Surrey Urban Indigenous Strategy
• See what the Surrey Urban Indigenous Leadership Committee is working on
• Familiarize yourself with the reports, findings, and the 94 Calls to Action by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
• Read the United Nations Declaration on the rights of Indigenous Peoples

• Watch Indigenous-made films through the National Film Board’s online collection

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