Tuesday marks the fifth in Canada. Across Victoria, events honouring Survivors of the residential school system, their families, and those who never came home. While the occasion marks the darkest chapter of the country’s history, there are several opportunities for education and celebration of Indigenous cultures.

Events will kick off on Sunday, run throughout the week, and ramp up on Tuesday. Since 2013, Sept. 30 has marked Orange Shirt Day, named for the experience of Phyllis Webstad. She was six years old when she was forced to remove her clothes, including the new orange shirt her grandmother bought her, on the first day of school. She never got those items back. 

Canada made Orange Shirt Day—National Day for Truth and Reconciliation—a federal holiday in 2021, after the initial discoveries of thousands of unmarked graves at residential school sites happened over that summer.

On Tuesday, everyone is encouraged to wear orange, attend a Truth and Reconciliation Day event, and reflect on acts of reconciliation they can take. Check out our full roundup of events happening Sept. 28-Oct. 4. 

Oak Bay Truth and Reconciliation Ceremony | Sunday | 11:30

ReconciliACTION Oak Bay and community members will gather at the Sno’uyutth Welcome Pole at Oak Bay High School. 

Orange Shirt Day at Camosun | Monday | 1:30pm

Hear from Indigenous speakers and students from the school’s Indigenous Studies program. Artist Jesse Campbell will invite attendees to add a bead to the mural he’s creating on the campus’s Dental Building. This year’s theme is ‘Community and Kinship: Ajuinata’ (Never Give Up).

UVic Truth and Reconciliation Campus Gathering | Monday | 11am

Hear from Klith-wii-taa, Dr. Barney Williams, a Residential School Survivor, and Shauntelle Dick-Charleson, Victoria’s Youth Poet Laureate and a member of the Songhees Nation in the Quad next to the Survivors' Flag. A Sacred Fire will burn throughout the ceremony, and we will take a moment of silence to honour those who did not make it home.

An evening for Truth and Reconciliation | Monday | 7pm

Hear music from Victoria Music Conservatory performers, in addition to dance, drumming, and storytelling from Indigenous performers, at VCM’s Johnson location. Visual performers will also showcase their work. The event is free, RSVP required.

South Island Powwow | Tuesday | Gates at 10am; Grand Entry at 12pm

The main event in Victoria, hosted by the Songhees Nation. Recognize Survivors and their families while celebrating Indigenous culture. See a range of dance styles and drum-circle performances, grab a bite from local food trucks, and shop the market in Royal Athletic Park. 

Truth and Reconciliation Bike Ride | Tuesday | 9:30am

Ride 10km in honour of Survivors while making your way from Songhees Park to the South Island Powwow at RAP. The event will feature testimony from Residential School Survivor—and Victoria Orange Shirt Day founder—Eddy Charlie, and lessons from friends and allies Jenny Farkas and Su Hallett. 

Orange Shirt Day T-Shirt Mosaic | Monday | 1-3pm

UVic students and staff can visit the table in the David Lam Auditorium Lobby to take part in this reflective art piece. Reflections written on orange poster paper squares will be turned into an Orange Shirt mosaic to display in the MacLaurin A-Wing, close to the Grandmother blanket. 

A Ceremony and Conversation with Hereditary Chief Frank Brown | Wednesday | 3:30 p.m.
The Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS) and First Nations Leadership Council signed a historic Relationship Protocol to support the implementation of the BC First Nations Climate Strategy. Join PICS Indigenous Climate Fellow Frank Brown to celebrate this initiative and the importance of caring for the climate, land, water, and resources. Watch the event in UVic’s First Peoples House or online via Facebook Live. 

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Sooke | Tuesday | 12p-4pm

Join this outdoor gathering to honour Survivors, lost children, and Indigenous voices through ceremony, storytelling, music, art, and shared learning. The family-friendly event will include a healing walk, cultural performances, interactive learning stations, and a live community art mural. The Sooke Region Museum will also host a Survivors’ art exhibit, 10am-12pm.  

Satya: A Practice of Truth and Reconciliation | Saturday | 7:30pm

Join this evening of accessible breathwork, mantra, and sound while reflecting on  Truth and Reconciliation. Admission is by donation, with proceeds going to the Indian Residential School Survivors Society. 

Xe Xe Smun’Eem Blend | Available now 

Discovery Coffee has brought back its blend in collaboration with Victoria Orange Shirt Day (VOSD), which will receive 50% of the proceeds for every bag sold.