On September 30 Canadians mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation—a time to honour Survivors of residential schools, remember the children who never returned home, and reflect on the ongoing impacts of these institutions on Indigenous families and communities. In downtown Edmonton, businesses, cultural organizations, and community partners are coming together to create spaces for learning, reflection, and healing, as well as celebrating Indigenous culture and knowledge.
Here are downtown events to consider leading up to and on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025:
Indigenous Empowerment Fashion Collective (IEFC)
When: Sept. 10 – 19 during store hours
Where: Edmonton Arts Council Shop & Services (9930 102 Ave)
Cost: Free
About: A fashion exhibition featuring the work of Indigenous designers and artists Heather Bouchier, Jamie Medicine Crane and Rhonda Johnson. The Indigenous Empowerment Fashion Collective is committed to empowering Indigenous artists to showcase and promote their work at the highest level. Learn more.
Storytelling with Elder, Dr. Jerry Saddleback
When: Sept. 25 from 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Where: Royal Alberta Musuem (9810 103 A Ave)
Cost: free with admission
About: Join Elder, Dr. Jerry Saddleback in Orcas: Our Shared Future to hear stories of Indigenous perspectives and relationships with Orcas and other water beings. Drop in on one of three 15-minute talks between 6-7:30 pm. Learn more.
Truth First: Pretendianism and effects on community
When: Sept. 25 from 1 – 3 p.m.
Where: The Lookout, SAMU, MacEwan University (10850 104 Ave)
Cost: Free
About Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on the impact of Pretendians on Indigenous community. Learn more.
Indigenous Arts Market
When: Sept. 28 from 11 – 4:30 p.m.
Where: Main Hall, Art Gallery of Alberta (2 Sir Winston Churchill Square)
Cost: Free
About: A free event, the Indigenous Arts Market is taking place in the main hall of the AGA with amazing products and works on display. This one-day market highlights the amazing Indigenous artists in our community. Learn more.
Truth & Reconciliation Film Screening & Author Event
When: Sept. 30 from 4 – 6 p.m.
Where: Audreys Books (10702 Jasper Ave.)
Cost: Free
About: In partnership with Audreys Books, the Edmonton Short Film Festival will be hosting a community screening of local Indigenous short films along with talks from local Indigenous authors. Join us for the sharing of stories – film and books – along with food and refreshments. Together we will celebrate the beautiful Indigenous culture and its many storytellers who’ve come to share. Learn more.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at RAM
When: Sept. 30 from 10 – 4p.m.
Where: Royal Alberta Museum (9810 103 A Ave)
Cost: Free with admission
About: Joins us in honouring the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Lance Cardinal will be joining the RAM with a display of his miniature “St. Martin’s Catholic Mission School.” Lance will give an artist talk, and there will be a screening of “Miniature,” a short documentary that offers a glimpse into the creation of this moving piece. Learn more.
National Day for Truth And Reconciliation at the Legislature
When: Sept. 30 from 2 – 3 p.m.
Where: Alberta Legislature Grounds (10800 97 Ave)
Cost: Free
About: Alberta’s government invites the public to wear an orange shirt and attend a public event at Kihciy Maskikiy/Aakaakmotaani, the reconciliation garden, on the east lawn of the Alberta Legislature grounds from 2 to 3 p.m. This public event is an opportunity to honour residential school survivors, their families and the children who never returned home. Learn more.