SaskatchewanA walk to remember the experiences of Indigenous people sent to residential schools is one of several events in Regina on Tuesday to commemorate National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day.Organizer says walk is about, ‘recognizing the experience of Indigenous peoples in Canada’Darla Ponace · CBC News · Posted: Sep 30, 2025 5:00 AM EDT | Last Updated: 3 hours agoA flag flies during National Day for Truth and Reconciliation ceremonies in Calgary, Alta., on Sept. 30, 2022. (Jeff McIntosh/The Canadian Press)A walk to remember the experiences of Indigenous people sent to residential schools is one of several events in Regina on Tuesday to commemorate National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day.The Circle Project is hosting its fifth annual Honour Walk for Truth and Reconciliation.Ann Perry, executive director of the Circle Project, said the walk is about, “recognizing the experience of Indigenous peoples in Canada and the history of Canada with Indigenous people, specifically around the residential schools.””We want to make sure that every year we take a moment to reflect and create a space where the community can come together, and just be together for that day, and reflect together as part of our reconciliation in action,” she said.In an effort toward reconciliation, the organization is collaborating with the Co-operators for the walk.”I think people are now making a bigger effort to come out, and we encourage that, because when we look at it, we don’t consider it a stat holiday,” Perry said.”We consider it a day of quiet reflection and honour and remembrance. And so we encourage everyone to come out, and just take a few moments out of your day and come to the walk just to show your support for truth and reconciliation in our own community.”Other eventsThere are many other events to recognize the day in Regina and elsewhere.The McKenzie Art Gallery in Regina is hosting an art exhibit. The Indian Theater: Native Performance, Art, and Self-Determination since 1969 exhibit will be open 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. CST, with hourly guided tours.The Regina Public Library is holding a presentation on media and reconciliation at the central library at noon CST. The event will feature a keynote address by journalist Nelson Bird, cultural performances and various opportunities for learning, reflection and supporting reconciliation efforts.The mâmawêyatitân centre will be hosting an all day event for anyone to join. A pipe ceremony will start at 9 a.m. CST, with a full day of programming to follow.The City of Regina is participating in an Orange Shirt Day event in partnership with the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Network. City employees are being encouraged to wear orange to recognize the day.Every Child Matters and Treaty 4 flags were raised at city hall and on the Albert Street bridge on Sept. 22 and will remain until Sept. 30. City hall will also be illuminated in orange to mark the day.”The City actively promotes community events to its employees and continuously provides resources to staff to enhance their understanding of Truth and Reconciliation,” the city said in a statement.The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Gathering at Wanuskewin Heritage Park, just north of Saskatoon, kicks off at 9 a.m. CST. Everyone is welcome to a day of activities at the Wanuskewin Interpretive Centre, with drop-in programming around the grounds from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. CST and a round dance (Paskwaw Round) at 3 p.m.Doug Hyndford, co-executive director of operations at Wanuskewin, said the day will be filled with musical performances, cultural dances, hide-making and more.Hyndford said the day is an opportunity to sit, listen and understand.”Lots of my family were residential school survivors. It’s important that this doesn’t just get swept under the rug,” he said. “There’s a lots of trauma that’s still happening from the survivors, as it moves down the family. So some understanding is needed.”Hyndford said recognition of the day and its significance is important for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.”Part of truth and reconciliation is listening to the hard truths, understanding that. Then the reconciliation will come once truth is is discovered. Basically, people just need to listen and pay attention.”In Prince Albert, an event to commemorate National Truth and Reconcilation is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CST at the Prince Albert Historical Museum, with free admission all day.The Prince Albert Grand Council is also holding an event at the PAGC Cultual Centre (1511 9th Avenue West) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST to honour the lives, voices and futures of Indigenous children. All are welcome to join in and encouraged to wear an orange shirt.ABOUT THE AUTHORDarla Ponace is a Saulteaux woman from Zagime Anishinabek First Nations. She started as an associate producer in the Indigenous Pathways program at CBC. She is currently working with CBC Saskatchewan as a reporter. You can email her at darla.ponace@cbc.ca with story ideas.
Wanuskewin gathering among National Day for Truth and Reconciliation events in Sask.
