From an intergenerational march, to a pop up market with Indigenous makers, there are plenty of ways to mark the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.
This Wednesday, thousands of us will don orange-coloured T-shirts to mark the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.
Otherwise known as Orange Shirt Day, each Sept. 30 is a holiday on official calendars to honour the survivors of Canada’s Residential Schools and the children who never made it home.
First observed in 2013, the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation was recognized as a stat holiday federally in 2021 and provincially in 2023.
Here’s a guide to events marking Orange Shirt Day in Vancouver. You’ll also find info on where to buy shirts, and how to learn more about Indigenous truth and reconciliation in Canada.
National Truth & Reconciliation Day Event, Grandview Park
People are invited to bring drums and wear orange at Grandview Park.
“Join us at Grandview Park as we gather in truth, honour Survivors, celebrate resilience, and walk forward together,” reads a post about the event.
There will be cultural and contemporary performances, an Indigenous mark and an Honour Walk starting at 11:30 a.m.
When: Sept. 30, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Grandview Park, 1657 Charles St.
More info: Visit the Vancouver Aboriginal Society’s Facebook page
Truth & Rec Pop Up Market
Sisters Sage is hosting its annual Truth & Rec Pop Up Market at Margaret Mitchell Plaza on Commercial Drive.
“You’ll find 15 Indigenous businesses, artists, makers, and creators, showcasing their goods,” reads a post from Sisters Sage.
When: Sept. 30, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Margaret Mitchell Plaza, on Napier Street, west of Commercial Drive.
More info: Via Sister Sage’s Instagram
‘Honour to Senator Murray Sinclair’ film screening
As chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, former senator Murray Sinclair was a key figure in raising global awareness of the atrocities of Canada’s Residential Schools.
“Join us for a screening of the 30-minute film Honour to Senator Murray Sinclair,” reads the Vancouver Maritime Museum event listing. Film screenings are included with museum admission
When: Sept. 30, screenings on the hour from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: 1905 Ogden Ave.
More info: Visit the Vancouver Maritime Museum website
Free admission to Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art
This year, the Bill Reid Gallery in downtown Vancouver is featuring The Children Are Coming Home by Ditidaht, Nuu-chah-nulth artist Deanna Samuel.
The Children Are Coming Home speaks to remembrance, healing, belonging and the enduring strength of culture, according to the event listing.
“Home has always known their names, even when the world tried to forget them,” Samuel says.
The gallery is offering free admission throughout Orange Shirt Day.
When: Sept. 30, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: 639 Hornby St.
More info: Event info via the gallery’s Facebook page
2026 Intergenerational March to Commemorate Orange Shirt Day
Head to UBC’s Vancouver Campus for a full day of events marking the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.
The schedule includes drummer performances, book readings and hearing from Residential School survivors about their own experiences. There will also be an all-day Sacred Fire Ceremony to commemorate survivors, children who never returned home, as well as their families and communities.
Educational materials and T-shirts can be bought at the UBC Bookstore, with shirt proceeds being donated to Indian Residential School Survivors Society.
When: Sept. 30, various events from 11:45 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Where: Main events at 1956 Mail Mall
More info: Full schedule and list of wellness resources via the UBC website
Where can I buy an orange shirt in Vancouver?
If you’re looking to buy an orange T-shirt, there are several options in Vancouver.
As mentioned above, you can buy shirts at the UBC Bookstore. Nearby, the Museum of Anthropology is selling “Every Child Matters” shirts designed by təlnaq̓ə Alec Guerin (Musqueam), with profits donated to the Indian Residential School Survivors Society and Orange Shirt Society.
Authorized retailers by the official Orange Shirt Day organization include London Drugs, which has multiple locations in Vancouver. The organization also lists Aritizia, Old Navy, Walmart, Winners and Arc’teryx as “Orange Partners” with approved designs. Visit the Orange Shirt Day website for more info.
Local Indigenous-owned clothing companies include Decolonial Clothing, which offers non-Orange Shirt Day designs that can be worn year round.
How do I learn more about Indigenous Truth and Reconciliation?
Resources to learn more about Truth and Reconciliation in Canada are numerous, and include literary as well as non-literary sources, such as hearing people speak about their own lived experiences.
But their are many texts to educate yourself further on the topic. One of the most foundational for Canadians is the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action, which also comes in booklet form. Another widely-read book is 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act.
Locally, the Vancouver Public Library has a section of resources dedicated to Truth and Reconciliation, as well as Orange Shirt Day specifically, which lists many related books.
If you’re a survivor and need emotional support, the national Residential School Survivor Support Line is available 24/7 at 1-866-925-4419.