National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2026

Sep 28, 2026

In honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, all Child Care Options CCRR offices will be closed to commemorate this day.

This is a day of learning for all of us and hopefully for you. As professionals in the early years sector, it is important that we continue to expand our knowledge and appreciation of Indigenous histories, cultures, ways of knowing, and perspectives. Not just on September 30 but always.

Use this day off for learning, even if you take a few minutes to educate yourself by watching a video, listening to a podcast or reading a book. Below we’re sharing a few ways for you to learn or participate on this important day.

PARTICIPATE:

September 30 – Semiahmoo First Nation is hosting the sixth annual Walk for Truth and Reconciliation in White Rock starting at 11 a.m. in Grand Chief Bernard Robert Charles Memorial Plaza, and will continue to Semiahmoo Park. Followed by special guest speaker Phyllis Webstad, Kwel Eng Sen Dancers and more.
https://www.whiterockcity.ca/Calendar.aspx?EID=4748

September 30 – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Walk in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Location: TFN Recreation Centre Time: 9:30 a.m.
https://www.facebook.com/TsawwassenFirstNation

September 30 – House Post Unveiling at Tsawwassen Mills Entrance 3 at 10:15 am
https://www.facebook.com/TsawwassenFirstNation

Visit the Where are the Children? Healing the Legacy of Residential Schools Exhibit at the Surrey Museum
https://www.surrey.ca/arts-culture/museum-of-surrey/whats-on/where-are-children-healing-legacy-of-residential-schools

Wear an orange shirt to honour the survivors of residential schools.

Support Indigenous businesses, artists and restaurants.

PODCASTS:

Earthy Chats Podcast Episodes 24, 22, 14, 12, 6, 5 & 3
https://outdoorlearning.com/podcast/

All My Relations Podcast
https://www.allmyrelationspodcast.com/

Kiwew – five-part podcast in which Governor General award-winning author David A. Robertson dives into his family’s history.
https://www.cbc.ca/listen/cbc-podcasts/425-kiwew

WATCH:

Watch ‘When we were Alone’ by author David Robertson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pv6uX0a91dM

LEARN:

Visit Native-Land.ca to learn more about Indigenous territories, treaties, and languages.
https://native-land.ca/

Familiarize yourself with the reports, findings and the 94 Calls to Action by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
https://nctr.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Calls_to_Action_English2.pdf

Read the United Nations Declaration on the rights of Indigenous Peoples
https://social.desa.un.org/issues/indigenous-peoples/united-nations-declaration-on-the-rights-of-indigenous-peoples

Enhance your learning of local Indigenous languages. FirstVoices.com is an internationally recognized online platform for Indigenous communities to share and promote their languages, oral cultures and linguistic histories. https://www.firstvoices.com/

Reconciliation Through Indigenous Education Course – University of British Columbia
Cost: Free
Enhance your understanding and knowledge of practices that advance reconciliation in the places where you live, learn, and work.
https://opl.educ.ubc.ca/reconciliation-2/

Go online or to your local library and learn about the residential school system. Monique Gray Smith has written a heartfelt book that is important reading for anyone interested in deepening their understanding of reconciliation and what it looks like in practice. Speaking our truth: A Journey of Reconciliation is available for borrowing from our Early Childhood Resource Library. https://www.childcareoptions.ca/child-care-providers/early-childhood-resource-library/

Read the story behind Orange Shirt Day. Read Phyllis’s Orange Shirt, available in our Early Childhood Resource Library.

Read books by Indigenous authors.

Borrow Indigenous learning resources from our library. We have a beautiful selection of resources, including books, puzzles, puppets, flannel stories and resource kits.

BOOKS FOR ADULTS:

Wayi Wah! Indigenous Pedagogies An Act for Reconciliation and Anti-Racist Education
Speaking Our Truth: A Journey of Reconciliation
Natural Curiosity The Importance of Indigenous Perspectives in Children’s Environmental Inquiry
Heartbeat of the Earth: Connecting Children to Nature through Indigenous Teachings
Decolonizing Place in Early Childhood Education
This Land – A Companion Resource for Early Childhood Educators

Surrey Public Libraries has several titles they recommend for adults.
https://surrey.bibliocommons.com/v2/list/display/138070021/3069370917

Fraser Valley Regional Library has several titles they recommend for adults.
https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/list/display/165891032/3100068517

BOOKS FOR CHILDREN:

You Hold Me Up by Monique Gray Smith
Every Child Matters by Phyllis Webstad
When We Were Alone by David Alexander Robertson
Shi-shi-etko by Nicola I. Campbell
Shin-chi’s Canoe by Nicola I. Campbell
Spirit Bear Books by Cindy Blackstock

Surrey Public Libraries has several titles they recommend for young children.
https://surrey.bibliocommons.com/v2/list/display/152679921/2800223777

Fraser Valley Regional Library has several titles they recommend for young children.
https://fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/list/display/165891032/3100067817

We know there are many valuable resources available to deepen your understanding of National Truth and Reconciliation Day. We hope the resources we’ve shared serve as a meaningful starting point and support you on your ongoing journey of learning, reflection, and reconciliation