News release details

In honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) will offer all visitors free admission on Tuesday, September 30.

Visitors to the Museum are encouraged to visit the Witness Blanket, a stunning, large‐scale artwork made from pieces of history – hundreds of items reclaimed from residential schools, churches, government buildings and other cultural structures across Canada. The Witness Blanket stands as a national monument to recognize the atrocities of the Indian residential school era and honour survivors, their families and the children who did not return home. The installation, by Indigenous artist and master carver Carey Newman/Ha̱yałka̱ng̱a̱me’, was inspired by a woven blanket and encourages visitors to bear witness and support ongoing reconciliation.

Stories about Indigenous rights can be found throughout the CMHR, from the Indigenous Perspectives gallery that features a 360‐degree film on Indigenous ways of knowing and being to the recently refreshed red dress exhibit: Reclaiming Power and Place in the Canadian Journeys gallery.

Also that day, Traditional Knowledge Keeper Marilyn Dykstra will share teachings through a free art activity called Comfort and Reconcili‐ACTION in the Stuart Clark Garden of Contemplation from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. This program offers visitors a creative and personal way to commit to a better Canada for everyone. Visitors are invited to decorate felt squares as they reflect upon their own gifts and abilities and how they can make positive change.

What:

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Date:

Tuesday, September 30, 2025

Time:

10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Where:

Canadian Museum for Human Rights

Cost:

Free