National Truth and Reconciliation Day is a day we reflect on the importance of learning about the legacy of Canada’s residential school system and other colonial policies that have harmed Indigenous peoples. It is a day for remembering truth about our past and contributing to a movement for justice and hope.

The Museum will offer free admission so that everyone can come and explore.

September 30 is also called "Orange Shirt Day" – a day when the children who were sent to residential schools – both those who survived and those who never came home – are remembered and honoured.

Knowledge Keeper Marilyn Dykstra, a Cree matriarch, wants to inspire us all to think about our part in moving along the path of reconciliation by taking part in "reconcili‐action" projects.

On Saturday, September 30, she invites visitors to the Museum on a collaborative journey to connect with the true history of Indigenous peoples in Canada and take a step on the path toward reconciliation.

Activities will include:

10:00 to 11:00 a.m. – "Project of Heart" involves decorating a wooden tile in remembrance of a child who died at a residential school. Creating your tile symbolizes your commitment to truth and reconciliation as together, we strive to change our present and our future. This hands‐on, collaborative activity is suitable for all ages.

11:00 a.m. to 12 noon – "Connecting with Cree Knowledge" – Marilyn Dykstra will explain what truth has looked like for Indigenous peoples in Canada, and what reconciliation means to her. She will explain how efforts to remove Indigenous people failed to understand the interconnectedness of the people and the land. No matter how hard the wind blows, she says, she and her ancestors are rooted on Turtle Island, like their earthly siblings, the trees.

1:00 to 4:00 p.m. – Take part in activities and engage in conversation that will help you connect to Indigenous culture, history and worldviews.

1:00 p.m. – Create beaded and fur earrings and learn about medicine keepers.

2:00 p.m. – Paint feathers and reflect on love and forgiveness, or a stone to symbolize strength.

3:00 p.m. – Make a fall beaded brooch and talk about the meaning of lifting and flying.