NWT events on 2025’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Events are taking place across the Northwest Territories to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day.

Every year, September 30 honours residential school survivors and children who never returned home along with their families and communities.

Orange Shirt Day grew from Phyllis Webstad’s recollection of having her new orange shirt taken away on her first day at residential school.

The annual day now commemorates the ongoing impacts of the residential school system and takes place at the time of year when children were taken from their homes to residential schools.

In the NWT, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a statutory holiday. People are encouraged to wear orange, reflect on the history of the residential school system and attend events that remember, honour and respect residential school survivors.

Advertisement.

Dene National Chief George Mackenzie, in a statement, described the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as “a pivotal moment for all Canadians to engage in meaningful reflection and dialogue about the past.”

“It is a day to confront the painful truths of our history, to listen to the stories of survivors and to commit to the ongoing journey of reconciliation,” he stated. “By dedicating this day to reflection and respect, we ensure that the narratives and experiences of survivors remain at the forefront, fostering healing and understanding for future generations.”

A truth and reconciliation display in the lobby of the Łıwegǫ̀atì Building in September 2025. Emily Blake/Cabin Radio

In a statement, NWT Premier RJ Simpson noted that this year marks a decade since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission released its final report and 94 calls to action. There are more residential school survivors per capita in the NWT, the premier said, than anywhere else in Canada.

“Reconciliation is not separate from daily life in the North – it is part of how we live together and how we govern,” Simpson stated.

Advertisement.

“As we approach September 30, I encourage northerners to mark this solemn day by reflecting, learning and taking part in local events. Every action matters. By listening to survivors, honouring their truths and supporting one another, we move forward together toward a strong and more just future.

“Every child matters – today, tomorrow and always.”

Hay River Mayor Kandis Jameson, in a message on behalf of the town said the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation “is a solemn time to reflect on the tragic legacy of residential schools to offer our deepest support to all community members who continue to be affected by these injustices.”

Here’s Cabin Radio’s guide to Orange Shirt Day events taking place across the NWT. Events are planned for Tuesday, September 30 unless otherwise specified.

If you know of an event we’ve missed, please send us an email with the details and we’ll add it to our list.

Yellowknife

Kaitlyn WhiteKeyes is inviting residents to gather at the Yellowknife Community Arena at 1pm for an Every Child Matters march to Somba K’e Park.

The Native Women’s Association of the NWT is hosting a family-friendly painting and beading event at its office on 49th Street from 1-3pm.

The North Slave Métis Alliance held a gathering on Friday, September 19 to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Attendees shared traditional food and went home with orange shirts designed by a community member.

Advertisement.

Behchokǫ̀

A community walk has been planned starting at Elizabeth Mackenzie Elementary School at 1pm on Monday, September 29, followed by a community BBQ behind the Kǫ Gocho Sportsplex Centre from 2-5pm.

“Everyone is welcome! Wear orange to show your support. Let’s walk together for truth, healing and reconciliation,” states a poster for the event.

Whatì

A community walk is set to begin at Mezi Community School at 3pm on Monday, September 29, followed by a BBQ by the cross.

“This Orange Shirt Day, let us wear orange to acknowledge the past, honour survivors, remember the children and unite in building a future where every child is cherished, respected and safe,” states a poster for the event.

Gamètì

An Every Child Matters orange T-shirt pin-making night is planned at the community hall from 6-9pm on Monday, September 29.

Wekweètì

A community feast will take place at the arbour starting at 6pm.

Kátł’odeeche First Nation

The First Nation is hosting a feeding the fire ceremony and walk from the residential school monument at 11am to the church where a ringing of the bell will take place. This will be followed by an afternoon for the youth, a movie at the Chief Lamalice Complex and a meal starting at 2pm.

Fort Smith

The town is holding a feeding the fire ceremony and walk starting at the recreation centre at 1pm and ending at the lookout.

Advertisement.

Paul William Kaeser High School is hosting events between Monday, September 22 and Friday, September 26, including a teepee ceremony, mini moccasin making and hand games.

The Thebacha Campus Culture Committee is hosting events from Tuesday, September 23 to Monday, September 29, including virtual sessions, a pow-wow dance performance, movie nights and library showcase of Métis floral beadwork.

The Fireweed Festival is encouraging people to wear orange on the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation and has been sharing tributes to residential school survivors on its Facebook page.

“This day is not just about remembering history – it’s about truth, healing, and reconciliation. It’s about ensuring that the voices of survivors are heard, that the children are never forgotten, and that we all work toward a future of respect, justice and love,” the organization stated.

The NWT Health and Social Services Authority, in collaboration with the Community Counselling Program and the holistic wellness advisor, is providing light refreshments and holding a raffle in the wall tent behind the health centre on Friday, October 3 from noon to 4pm.

“Let’s honour the past, empower the present and come together in the sprit of reconciliation,” states a Facebook post about the days events.

Fort Resolution

Deninu School is inviting the community to attend an assembly at 2:30pm.

Fort Providence

An awareness walk is set to start from the Deh Gah Elementary and Secondary School at 2pm to the community arbour followed by a community BBQ. Winners of an Every Child Matters colouring contest will be awarded prizes at the BBQ.

Advertisement.

Fort Simpson

Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ First Nation is hosting a water ceremony below the drum circle at 10am followed by a walk at 11am, lunch at the recreation centre at noon, and a drum dance at the recreation centre at 7pm.

Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ First Nation and YWCA hosted an evening of beading, teaching and snacks at the First Nation’s boardroom on Tuesday, September 23 from 6:30-8:30pm.

Inuvik

An Every Child Matters walk is taking place from Ignamo Hall to the Midnight Sun Complex starting at 11:30am. Victim services coordinator Eva Kratochvil said the route will retrace the path that residential school children would walk.

The walk will be followed by a community BBQ, an Elders gathering, a cupcake contest and a kid’s carnival from 1-4pm.

There will also be a cultural gathering space with a fire and hot tea available in the cultural space behind the Inuvik Native Band office starting at 2pm.

Tsiigehtchic

The Gwichya Gwich’in Band is hosting a supper, youth and adult activities, a healing walk and storytelling at the youth centre from 1-5pm.

On Friday, September 26 at 2pm, Chief Paul Nditchie School held a walk to the graveyard where rocks will be placed as a symbol of remembrance followed by refreshments at the gym. There will also be a decorated cupcake contest