Events in Ottawa to mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

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Events in Ottawa to mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

According to the federal government, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation honours “the children who never returned home and survivors of residential schools.”

Orange Shirt Day is also marked on September 30.

“Orange Shirt Day is a commemorative day led by Indigenous communities to raise awareness about the intergenerational impacts of residential schools on children, families, and communities. It honours Indigenous children who were lost in the residential school system,” the federal government said on its website.

“The orange shirt symbolizes the loss of culture, freedom, and self-esteem that many Indigenous children experienced. This day reminds us that ‘Every Child Matters.’”

CTVNewsOttawa.ca looks at some of the events in Ottawa to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

National Commemorative Gathering

The national commemorative gathering for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation will be held on Parliament Hill Tuesday afternoon.

The 90-minute commemorative event, titled “Remembering the Children: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation,” will begin at 3 p.m.

It will be broadcast live on APTN.

Rideau Hall

Rideau Hall is hosting a special Doors Open event on Sunday, Sept. 28 in the lead up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Visitors will have a chance to learn about Indigenous cultures, stories and traditions by viewing Indigenous artwork throughout the residence.

The event will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Beechwood National Memorial Centre

You’re invited to Beechwood Cemetery on Tuesday to walk the grounds for a 45-minute Reconciliation Tour.

Beechwood Cemetery says you can learn from key historical figures who were involved in the Residential Schools and learn about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 calls to action.

There will be a ceremony at 2:15 p.m.

Canadian Museum of History

The Canadian Museum of History will host events to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

There will be a morning ceremony at 11 a.m.

“Visitors will hear reflections on the significance of the Indian Residential School Memorial Monument and on the ongoing journey of truth and reconciliation,” the museum said. “A moving cultural performance featuring Indigenous dancers and drummers will follow.”

At 1 p.m., there will be a documentary screening of “Return to the Falls: A Journey of Resilience and Survival.”

There will be a live broadcast of the “Remembering the Children: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation” event from Parliament Hill at 3 p.m.

Admission to the Canadian Museum of History is free on Sept. 30. The museum will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The Diefenbunker

The Diefenbunker is hosting two ceremonies on Tuesday to honour National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

At 9 a.m., there will be a ceremony featuring the dedication of a permanent land acknowledgment installation outside the Diefenbunker Museum.

At 10 a.m., there will be a public ceremony, featuring the lighting of a sacred fire, cultural presentations, and traditional teachings from Knowledge Keepers and Elders, alongside reflections from community leaders.

Both ceremonies are free to attend.

Special Mass at Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica

The Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall invites you to a special mass on Tuesday for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Archbishop Marcel Damphousse will preside the bilingual Mass at 7:00 p.m. at Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica on Sussex Drive.

Canadian War Museum

The Canadian War Museum will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday. Admission is free.

Ottawa Public Library

The Ottawa Public Library says seven branches will be open on Tuesday to provide National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Learning and Action Space.” The following branches will be open from 10 am to 5 pm:

By Josh Pringle

Published on the CTV News website