Communities across the Northwest Territories are marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with walks and gatherings.
Every year, September 30 is a day to honour residential school survivors and the children who never returned home, along with their families and communities.
Here’s Cabin Radio’s guide to events taking place across the NWT. Events are scheduled for Wednesday, September 30 unless otherwise specified.
If there is an event we missed, please send us an email with the details and we will add it to our list.
Yellowknife
The Native Women’s Association of the NWT is holding an event from 12-3pm at the Tree of Peace Friendship Centre.
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The afternoon will include speakers, a prayer by the Yellowknives Dene First Nation drummers, stew and bannock, and a live fiddler. The event is free and open to everyone.
Yellowknife Catholic Schools is holding a Healing Walk at 10:20am on Tuesday, September 29. The walk will leave from Weledeh, with students and staff from both Weledeh and École St Patrick High School taking part.
Behchokǫ̀
A community walk will take place from 1-2pm, starting at Elizabeth Mackenzie Elementary School. A community barbecue will follow from 2-5pm behind the Kǫ Gocho Sportsplex.
“Everyone is welcome! Wear orange to show your support. Let’s walk together for truth, healing, and reconciliation,” states a poster for the event.
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Fort Providence
A pancake breakfast will be held at Nahecho Keh Community Hall at 9am.
A truth and reconciliation walk will start at the hall at 2pm, followed by a community barbecue outside the Zhahti Koe Friendship Centre at 3pm.
Fort Simpson
A truth and reconciliation walk organized by Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ First Nation begins at 2pm at the recreation centre. A barbecue and drum dance follow from 3pm.
Fort Smith
From 12-2pm on Tuesday, September 29, an honour wall will be unveiled at the Uncle Gabe’s Friendship Centre gymnasium.
Gamètì
A community walk will start at 11am at Jean Wetrade Gamètì School. A barbecue will follow at 12pm at the community hall.
Hay River and Kátł’odeeche First Nation
A gathering will take place at the Kátł’odeeche First Nation Community Arbor at 8:30am. There will be a special presentation at 10:30am at the Chief Lamalice Complex followed by fireworks at 9pm.
On Tuesday, September 29, the Soaring Eagle Friendship Centre will hold a gathering at 10am followed by a community march.
Whatì
A community walk will begin at Mezi Community School at 3pm. A barbecue will follow at 3:45pm at the school.
