Nova ScotiaTuesday marks the fifth National Day for Truth and Reconciliation — an annual commemoration honouring the children who died while attending residential schools and the survivors, families and communities still affected by the legacy of the residential school system.Tuesday marks the fifth National Day for Truth and ReconciliationCBC News · Posted: Sep 30, 2025 5:00 AM EDT | Last Updated: 3 hours agoThousands of orange flags were used to create this giant heart where the residential school in Shubenacadie once stood. (Nicola Seguin/CBC)Tuesday marks the fifth National Day for Truth and Reconciliation — an annual commemoration honouring the children who died while attending residential schools and the survivors, families and communities still affected by the legacy of the residential school system.It is designated as a federal statutory holiday and was recommended by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in its 94 calls to action.What’s happeningSipekne’katik First Nation will be holding events at the residential school memorial site in Shubenacadie starting at 10 a.m.Activities extend into the early afternoon with remarks from community leaders, cultural teachings and a BBQ lunch. There are also activities for kids involving talking sticks, medicine bags and dream catchers. In Halifax, there is a Truth and Reconciliation story time and play — including sensory play, themed crafts, and a story and song circle at the Eastern Shore Family Resource Association for children up to age five from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.The Youth Group from the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre is hosting an event dedicated reflect on the generational harm done to the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis of Turtle Island. It is scheduled from 11 a.m, to 3 p.m. There will also be interactive cultural demonstrations and refreshments.There will be free admission from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Museum of Natural History. The museum features the exhibit Pjila’si, an interactive space that celebrates Mi’kmaw culture.Admission will also be free at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic from 9:30 am to 8 p.m. It has an exhibit on called, Ta’n me’j Tel-keknuo’ltiek: How Unique We Still Are.Indigenous-created short film screenings will be shown throughout the day at the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.Halifax City Hall will be illuminated orange.CBC Live coverage starts at 3pm AT.What’s open, what’s closedMost grocery stores and drug stores are open.Most malls and stores are open, but with limited hours.NSLC stores are closed.Halifax Public Libraries are closed.TransitHalifax Transit buses and ferries will be operating on holiday service on Tuesday, Sept. 30. There will be no Woodside ferry service.The Alderney ferry service will run at half-hour frequency, with the first crossing departing the Alderney terminal at 7:30 a.m. and the final crossing leaving the Halifax terminal at 11:45 p.m.A news release from the city said all buses will pull over at 2:15 p.m. on Tuesday for a moment of silence in memory of the children who never returned home from residential schools, survivors, and their families and communities.Waste collectionThere will be no change to municipal solid waste collection services.Recreation and entertainmentAll city-run recreation facilities will be closed on Tuesday. Residents are advised to call ahead for operating hours and program information.ParkingOn-street parking will be free Tuesday.BanksAll banks are closed.311 call centreThe 311 contact centre will be closed on Tuesday for full service. Urgent calls can still be reported during the holiday. Regular operating hours will resume on Wednesday.
What’s happening for Truth and Reconciliation Day around Halifax and beyond for 2025
