From an intergenerational march, to a pop up market with Indigenous makers, there are plenty of ways to mark the\u00a0National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.<\/p>\n
This Wednesday, thousands of us will don orange-coloured T-shirts to mark the\u00a0National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.<\/p>\n
Otherwise known as Orange Shirt Day, each Sept. 30\u00a0is\u00a0a holiday on official calendars to honour the survivors of Canada’s Residential Schools and the children who never made it home.<\/p>\n
First observed in 2013, the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation was recognized as a stat holiday federally in\u00a02021 and provincially in 2023.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
National Truth & Reconciliation Day Event, Grandview Park<\/p>\n
People are invited to bring drums and wear orange at Grandview Park.<\/p>\n
“Join us at Grandview Park as we gather in truth, honour Survivors, celebrate resilience,\u00a0and walk forward together,” reads a post about the event.<\/p>\n
There will be cultural and contemporary performances, an Indigenous mark and an Honour Walk starting at 11:30 a.m.<\/p>\n
When: Sept. 30, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.<\/p>\n
Where:\u00a0Grandview Park,\u00a01657 Charles St.<\/p>\n
More info: Visit the Vancouver Aboriginal Society’s Facebook page<\/a><\/p>\n Truth & Rec Pop Up Market<\/p>\n Sisters\u00a0Sage is hosting its annual Truth & Rec Pop Up Market at Margaret Mitchell Plaza\u00a0on Commercial Drive.<\/p>\n “You\u2019ll find 15 Indigenous businesses, artists, makers, and creators, showcasing their goods,” reads a post from Sisters Sage.<\/p>\n When: Sept. 30, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.<\/p>\n Where:\u00a0Margaret Mitchell Plaza, on Napier Street, west of Commercial Drive.<\/p>\n More info: Via Sister Sage’s Instagram<\/a><\/p>\n ‘Honour to Senator Murray Sinclair’ film screening<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n “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\u00a0admission\u00a0<\/p>\n When: Sept. 30, screenings on the hour from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.<\/p>\n Where:\u00a01905 Ogden Ave.<\/p>\n More info: Visit the Vancouver Maritime Museum website<\/a><\/p>\n Free admission to Bill Reid\u00a0Gallery of Northwest Coast Art<\/p>\n This year, the Bill Reid Gallery in downtown Vancouver is featuring\u00a0The Children Are Coming Home\u00a0by Ditidaht, Nuu-chah-nulth artist Deanna Samuel.<\/p>\n The Children Are Coming Home\u00a0speaks to remembrance, healing, belonging\u00a0and the enduring strength of culture, according to the event listing.<\/p>\n \u201cHome has always known their names, even when the world tried to forget them,\u201d Samuel says.\u00a0<\/p>\n The gallery is offering free admission throughout Orange Shirt Day.<\/p>\n When: Sept. 30, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.<\/p>\n Where:\u00a0639 Hornby St.<\/p>\n More info: Event info via the gallery’s Facebook page<\/a><\/p>\n 2026 Intergenerational March to Commemorate Orange Shirt Day<\/p>\n Head to UBC’s Vancouver Campus for a full day of events marking the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.<\/p>\n 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\u00a0their families and communities.<\/p>\n Educational materials and T-shirts can be bought at the UBC Bookstore, with shirt proceeds being donated to\u00a0Indian Residential School Survivors Society<\/a>.<\/p>\n When: Sept. 30, various events from 11:45 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.<\/p>\n Where: Main events at 1956 Mail Mall<\/p>\n More info: Full schedule and list of wellness resources via the UBC website<\/a><\/p>\n Where can I buy an orange shirt in Vancouver?<\/p>\n If you’re looking to buy an orange T-shirt, there are several options in Vancouver.<\/p>\n As mentioned above, you can buy shirts at the UBC Bookstore. Nearby, the Museum of Anthropology<\/a> is selling “Every Child Matters” shirts\u00a0designed by t\u0259lnaq\u0313\u0259 Alec Guerin (Musqueam), with profits donated to\u00a0the Indian Residential School Survivors Society and Orange Shirt Society.<\/p>\n 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,\u00a0Winners and\u00a0Arc’teryx as “Orange Partners” with approved designs. Visit the Orange Shirt Day website<\/a> for more info.<\/p>\n Local Indigenous-owned clothing companies include Decolonial Clothing<\/a>, which offers non-Orange Shirt Day designs that can be worn year round.<\/p>\n How do I learn more about Indigenous Truth and Reconciliation?<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n But their are many texts to educate yourself further on the topic. One of the most foundational for Canadians is the\u00a0Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action<\/a>, which also comes in booklet form<\/a>. Another widely-read book is 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Locally, the Vancouver Public Library has a section of resources dedicated to Truth and Reconciliation<\/a>, as well as Orange Shirt Day<\/a> specifically, which lists many related books.<\/p>\n If you’re a survivor and need emotional support, the national\u00a0Residential School Survivor Support Line is available 24\/7 at\u00a01-866-925-4419<\/a>.<\/p>\n