National Day for Truth & Reconciliation (Sep 30)
Each year, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day honours Survivors of the residential school system, the children who never returned home, and their families and communities. It is a time to reflect on the history and lasting impacts of residential schools on Indigenous communities and to engage in meaningful learning and action in support of reconciliation.
Both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day take place on September 30. Orange Shirt Day is a grassroots campaign founded by Phyllis Webstad that is intended to raise awareness about the impacts of the residential school system. It was inspired by her story of having her new orange shirt taken away on her first day of school at St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School in Williams Lake, BC. The orange shirt has become a symbol of hope, reconciliation and a commitment to a better future. Everyone is encouraged to wear orange on September 30 to honour the Survivors of residential schools.
Commemorate the Day
A list of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation activities is outlined below. All events are free unless otherwise specified.
Indigenous Artist Biographies and Educational Resources Display
Date and Time: Monday, September 14 to Monday, October 5, facility hours
Audience: All ages
Location: Richmond Cultural Centre
Visit the second floor of the Richmond Cultural Centre to learn about a selection of Indigenous artists who have shaped visual culture across Turtle Island. Artist biographies and learning resources will be displayed in the hallway and cabinet beside the elevator. This free drop-in resource display is intended for all ages.
Indigenous Author Series: A Conversation with Larry Grant and Scott Steedman
Date and Time: Wednesday, September 16, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Audience: Adults
Location: Richmond Cultural Centre – Theatre Under the Stars
Join us for a talk with elder Larry Grant and Scott Steedman, authors of Reconciling: A Lifelong Struggle to Belong. For Larry Grant, an Elder of Musqueam and Chinese descent, belonging has been a lifelong struggle. His life story echoes the stories of Chinese immigration, the ravages of residential schools, and the current Indigenous revival.
Registration: Register online for free through the Richmond Public Library.
Indigenous Author Series: Writing the Everyday – Journaling as a Creative Practice
Date and Time: Sunday, September 20, 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Audience: Adults
Location: Richmond Public Library – Community Place
Join author Selina Boan for this workshop that explores journaling as a tool for furthering your creative practice and generating new ideas. Participants will engage in self-reflection, creative prompts and visual experiments to explore voice, detail and the art of paying attention to our daily lives.
Registration: Register online for free through the Richmond Public Library.
Indigenous Author Series: David Alexander Robertson
Date and Time: Monday, September 21, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Audience: Grades 6 and 7
Location: Richmond Public Library – Kids’ Place Program Room
Join author David Alexander Robertson as he discusses the importance of storytelling and how it can bridge divides. David will also discuss practical, meaningful ways each of us can contribute to reconciliation in our schools and communities. Registration is required, with limited spaces available due to school class participation.
Registration: Register online for free through the Richmond Public Library.
Indigenous Author Series: 52 Ways to Reconcile with David Alexander Robertson
Date and Time: Monday, September 21, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Audience: Adults
Location: Richmond Cultural Centre – Theatre Under the Stars
Join author David Alexander Robertson as he brings his acclaimed book 52 Ways to Reconcile to life in this keynote designed to engage, inspire and empower audiences to move reconciliation forward in tangible ways. With humour, honesty and empathy, he connects with audiences on a deeply personal level, showing that reconciliation isn’t just a national project, it is a journey we can all participate in.
Registration: Register online for free through the Richmond Public Library.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: Reflections, Resources, and Commitments
Date and Time: Wednesday, September 23 to Monday, October 5, facility hours
Audience: All ages
Location: Richmond Museum
Explore resources that support learning about Indigenous histories, cultures, and perspectives. The display will also highlight commitments to ongoing learning and engagement with Indigenous knowledge and communities. This free drop-in display is intended for all ages.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Display
Date and Time: Wednesday, September 23 to Wednesday, September 30, facility hours
Audience: All ages
Location: Hamilton Community Centre and Minoru Centre for Active Living
Visit the Hamilton Community Centre and Minoru Centre for Active living lobbies to explore a display recognizing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The display will also highlight the commitment to ongoing learning and engagement with Indigenous communities. This free drop-in display is intended for all ages.
Honouring Residential School Survivors: Beading Workshop
Date and Time: Saturday, September 26, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Audience: All ages (Children must be accompanied by an adult)
Location: City Centre Community Centre (Meeting Room 2)
Create a beaded orange t-shirt to honour the resilience and strength of Residential School Survivors. Through guided beading and reflection, this workshop is intended to foster meaningful dialogue and help ensure these stories are remembered for generations to come. This program is open to all ages, although children must be accompanied by an adult. Workshop cost is $15.
Register online at richmond.ca/register with course ID 00547898.
Indigenous Storytime
Date and Time: Saturday, September 26, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Audience: All ages
Location: Richmond Nature Park
Visit the Richmond Nature Park to listen to stories by Indigenous authors that celebrate culture, connection, belonging, and care for the land. This program provides an opportunity for families to learn about the histories, voices, and experiences of Indigenous Peoples and reflect together in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This drop-in event is free for all ages.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: Public Skate
Date and Time: Wednesday, September 30, facility hours
Audience: All ages
Location: Minoru Arena
Participate in a public skate in recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Music by Indigenous artists will be featured throughout the skate. This drop-in activity is open to all ages and skill levels. Regular facility admission rates apply.
Indigenous Short Films Screening
Date and Time: Wednesday, September 30, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Audience: Adults
Location: Richmond Public Library – Launchpad
Drop-in to enjoy a selection of short films by Indigenous creators to support your learning and reflection on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The films will be playing continuously on a loop throughout the day. No registration required for this free, drop-in display.
Family Storytime
Date and Time: Wednesday September 30, 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Audience: Children 5 and under, and their caregivers
Location: Richmond Public Library – Kids’ Place Program Room
Drop in for storytime at the Richmond Public Library Brighouse Branch on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. We will be featuring picture books written by Indigenous authors and illustrators. This free drop-in activity is intended for children under 5 and their caregivers.
xʷən̓iwən ce:p kʷθəθ nəw̓eyəł / Remember Your Teachings
Date and Time: September 2026 – July 2027
Audience: All ages
Location: exterior of Richmond Art Gallery, Richmond Cultural Centre, on Minoru Blvd.
On display through the month of September and through to July 2027, the Richmond Art Gallery presents a large-scale banner by Manuel Axel Strain, an artist of Musqueam, Simpcw, and Syilx descent. The banner displays the words xʷən̓iwən ce:p kʷθəθ nəw̓eyəł, signifying in hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ the phrase “Remember your teachings”. Originally handpainted in vibrant colours by the artist for the title wall of their solo exhibition of the same name at the Gallery in 2025, the banner powerfully asserts the artist’s connection and commitment to their family, the land, and Musqueam knowledge and teachings.
Facility Hours
Some City facilities will have reduced hours or be closed in observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation:
- City Hall: Closed on Tuesday, September 30.
- Recycling Depot: Closed on Tuesday, September 30; reopens Wednesday, October 1.
- Blue cart collection will remain as scheduled. All other residential services will be pushed back by one day due to the statutory holiday.
- Brighouse Library and Richmond Cultural Centre: Open from 10:00am to 4:00pm on Tuesday, September 30. All other library branches will be closed. For details, visit YourLibrary.ca.
- Community Facilities: Visit richmond.ca/HolidayHours for a list of modified hours.