National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Join Qualico Properties, Station Lands and Boyle Street Community Services for a community gathering recognizing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The afternoon will feature Elder teachings, cultural performances, an Indigenous artisan market, community teaching tables and traditional foods available for purchase. Attendees are also encouraged to bring new adult socks or sweatpants to support Boyle Street Community Services’ upcoming Healing and Resting Our Spirits community event.

Date: Sept. 29
Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Roundhouse Park at Station Lands, 10423 101 Street NW
Admission: Free. Free parking is available in the Station Lands parkade during the event.

In recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Edmonton Short Film Festival and Audrey’s Books invite the community to a free afternoon of film, literature and conversation celebrating Indigenous stories, artists and voices.

The gathering begins with a smudge and opening from Elder Terry Lusty, followed by presentations from Indigenous authors and filmmakers, audience Q&A sessions, and closing remarks from Elder Dan Cardinal.

Date: Sept. 30
Time: 3:45 to 6 p.m.
Location: Audrey’s Books, 10702 Jasper Avenue
Admission: Free. Space is limited and registration is required. Reserve your spot.

Rubaboo Indigenous Arts Festival Opening Celebration

The Rubaboo Indigenous Arts Festival begins Sept. 30 with an evening of music, art and community gathering in downtown Edmonton. The festival’s 2026 theme, You Are Loved: wêsihcikêw, celebrates Indigenous arts, culture and connection through performances, exhibitions and events taking place across downtown from Sept. 30 to Oct. 11.

The opening celebration will feature performances by Celeigh Cardinal, Northside Baby, Jay Gilday and Donita Large, along with art installations and opportunities to connect with Indigenous artists and storytellers.

Date: Sept. 30
Time: 5 p.m.
Location: Beaver Hills House Park
Admission: Free

Looking for more? The Rubaboo Indigenous Arts Festival continues through Oct. 11 with performances, exhibitions, workshops and cultural experiences at venues throughout downtown Edmonton. Explore the full festival schedule.

Art Gallery of Alberta

The Art Gallery of Alberta is offering a series of special programs, including curator-led tours and a community conversation in The Reciprocity Garden | ᐋᐧᐦᑰᐦᑐᐃᐧᐣ (wâhkôhtowin).

Date: Sept. 30
Location: Art Gallery of Alberta, 2 Sir Winston Churchill Sq NW
Time: 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Schedule

• 10 to 11:30 a.m. | Tour for Tots: Orange Shirt Day
• 11 a.m. to noon | Stroller Tour: In Whose Eyes
• 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. | Curator’s Tour: What Shapes Us
• 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. | Reciprocity Garden with Alaynee Goodwill-Littlechild and Sara McKarney

Some programs require registration. Others are free with gallery admission.

MacEwan University

In recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, MacEwan University will cancel regular session classes while keeping campus buildings open for community reflection.

Leading up to and throughout the day, the kihêw waciston Indigenous Centre will offer educational resources, opportunities to engage with Knowledge Keepers and spaces for traditional medicine smudging in the campus Gathering Room.
Date: Sept. 30
Time: 8:30 – 11 a.m.
Location: MacEwan University, Room 9-100, Robbins Health Learning Centre, 10910 – 104 Avenue

Show your support with Every Child Matters merchandise

Looking for a way to show your support on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation? Flags International at Edmonton City Centre carries a selection of Every Child Matters merchandise, including T-shirts, baseball caps, toques and blankets.

Wearing Every Child Matters apparel can be a visible way to honour residential school survivors, their families and communities while helping keep the conversation around truth and reconciliation front of mind.

Location: Flags International, Edmonton City Centre, 10025 102A Ave. NW