Orange Shirt Day events downtown

NOTE: this living document will be updated as more events pop up downtown. Check back often.

The National Day for Truth & Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day both take place yearly on September 30. This day honours children who never returned home and the Survivors of residential schools. All Canadians are encouraged to wear orange to show support for and honour Survivors of residential schools.

This page will be updated when new events on and around Orange Shirt Day are released.

Where to buy an Orange Shirt Day shirt Edmonton Downtown:

shopAGA 
EAC Shop & Services
Royal Alberta Museum Shop

Story Stop in the Tipi

Story Stop will be moving into the Tipi! This quick 15-minute storytime features stories, rhymes and songs – fast and fun for the whole family.
September 18 | 2:15 PM
September 20 | 2:15 PM
September 27 | 2:15 PM
October 2 | 2:15 PM
October 7 | 2:15 PM
Tipi at Stanley A. Milner Library

Round Dance

Boyle Street Community Services is hosting a Round Dance with Elder Laverne Faithful, Stickman Tristen Marty-Pahtaykan and MC Elmer Rattlesnake. This is an outdoor event so please dress appropriately for the weather and feel free to bring your own chair. Ribbon skirts and shirts are encouraged.
September 20
3 – 9 PM
Churchill Square

Otehiwin // Open Heart Exhibition

Join Alberta’s 2023-24 EPL Artist in Residence Sharon Rose Kootenay for the Otehiwin // Open Heart exhibition as she presents 13 dioramas that illustrate the Indian Residential School era, the time before, and the time after.

With scenes comprised of handmade dolls, structures, dwellings, and landscapes, this exhibition explores the history and legacy of the Indian Residential Schools, and the impact it had upon First Nations and Metis families.  Guided through narrative panels, visitors will be presented with stories, and memories of family life, and come away with a greater understanding of the loss, resilience, and reclamation of Indigenous Identities.
Artists: Sharon Rose Kootenay; co-curated by Brittany Cherweniuk
September 23 – 29
PÎYÊSÎW WÂSKÂHIKAN at Stanley A. Milner Library

Tipi Storytime with Kokum Lorette

Enjoy this extra special Storytime held inside of a Tipi. This program is suitable for the whole family with Elder-in-Residence Kokum Lorette Goulet sharing Traditional Indigenous stories with the help of some puppet friends.
September 23
2 – 3 PM
Stanley A. Milner Library

Orange Shirt Reconciliation Reflection Activity (Drop in)

Take part in this reflection activity in honour of the survivors of residential schools, their families and those who did not make it home. Take one of the orange shirts provided and write on it a message of hope and solidarity. This could be a goal, a picture, a favourite quote or a general message of support for all of those who have been impacted by Canada’s Residential School System.
September 23 – 29
Tipi at Stanley A. Milner Library

Live at Lunch

Live at Lunch is a FREE concert and event series at Churchill Square.

Brianna Lizotte
September 24
Noon – 1 PM

Indigenous Fitness
September 25
Mariah Dumont & Sheena Kaine
Noon – 1 PM

EAC Live@Lunch
Mariah Dumont & powwow dancers and singers
Noon – 1 PM

Beat Salad (DJ performances)
September 27
Noon – 2 PM

Spirit North | Traditional Indigenous Games

Spirit North is a national charitable organization that uses land-based activities to improve the health and well-being of Indigenous youth, empowering them to become unstoppable in sport, school and life.
September 25
4 – 6 PM
Churchill Square

FREE admission at RAM

The Royal Alberta Museum (RAM) is offering free admission on September 28 & 29. The RAM has a collection of approximately 18,000 objects of Indigenous origin dating from the mid-1800s to the present. The collection holds great meaning for originating communities so the RAM works with cultural knowledge holders to make sure that the collection is cared for in a culturally sensitive and respectful way.
September 28 & 29
Reservations available from 10 AM – 3 PM
Book online
Royal Alberta Museum

Orange Shirt Day at AGA

The Art Gallery of Alberta presents a day of learning and reflection with activities including a beading circle, film screening and facilitated discussion at the AGA. The day will be “pay what you may”.
September 30
Art Gallery of Alberta

Mental health supports

All Indigenous people can call The Hope for Wellness Help Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 1-855-242-3310.

Survivors of residential schools can call 1-866-925-4419 for services and referrals from the Government of Canada.