Here’s what’s happening for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Numerous events planned for Nunavut and around the country
Iqaluit residents march during National Day for Truth and Reconciliation events last year. (Photo by Meral Jamal)
Updated on September 29 at 5:20 p.m.
As Canada marks the third National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Saturday, also known as Orange Shirt Day, here’s what is happening in Nunavut and across the country.
The day will be observed Friday at every school in the territory with assemblies honouring residential school survivors. There will also be guest speakers, crafts and country food.
All Government of Nunavut offices will be closed on Monday.
Cambridge Bay
Cambridge Bay is hosting a gathering Friday at the Luke Novoligak Community Hall at 5 p.m.
Baker Lake
Baker Lake’s youth centre is hosting an art activity on Saturday. It will be open to moms and tots at 6 p.m., then for children aged 10 to 12 at 7 p.m. and youth 13 and older at 8 p.m.
Iqaluit
On Saturday in Iqaluit, Qikiqtani Inuit Association is hosting and funding an event commemorating the day, starting at the Igluvut Building at 1:30 p.m.
Orange shirts will be handed out, followed by a moment of silence at 2:20 p.m. At 2:30 p.m., those gathered can head to Iqaluit Square on a community walk.
At 3 p.m., there will be a parlak, or candy toss; games; performances by Inukshuk drum dancers; and a community prayer.
Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. president Aluki Kotierk is expected to speak at the event in Iqaluit, and MP Lori Idlout is expected to attend as well.
Aqsarniit Hotel is opening its lounge at noon and is offering country food specials, live performances and music.
The City of Iqaluit’s recreation department will limit its operating hours on Saturday and on Monday, Oct. 2, which is a statutory holiday in Nunavut.
The pool and fitness centre will be open from noon until 4 p.m. on Saturday and Monday.
Ottawa
The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation in Ottawa is holding a ceremony on Parliament Hill to “memorialize the children lost to the residential school system and honour survivors and their families.”
The event will be broadcast live on APTN and other supporting stations starting at 1 p.m. EDT.
The Peace Tower on Parliament Hill will be lit orange from sunrise Saturday to sunrise on Sunday.
In honour of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, flags at all city facilities will be lowered to half-mast from sunrise Saturday until sunrise on Sunday.
Montreal
The third-annual Every Child Matters rally and march is scheduled for 1 p.m Saturday by the Sir George-Étienne Cartier monument in Mount Royal. Attendees are encouraged to wear orange shirts.
There will be guest speakers, live entertainment, talks and performances.
Winnipeg
In Winnipeg, the Wa-Say Healing Centre is holding a series of events throughout the day Saturday, including a pipe ceremony at 10 a.m., a healing walk to the Canada Life Centre at 11 a.m. and live entertainment with guest speakers for the rest of the afternoon.
Note: This story has been corrected to note Qikiqtani Inuit Association is the host for the event in Iqaluit.
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