Indigenous

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Reconciliation is rooted in truth, listening, humility and action. Each year, September 30 — National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR) — reminds us to honour Survivors, remember the children who never returned home and commit to change. Guided by UM’s Truth and Reconciliation Framework, we centre truth, foster learning and respect and walk together on a journey that extends far beyond a single day.

Engage in Reconciliation

Join Indigenous-led ceremonies and events, visit the Heart Garden, listen to Survivor stories and take part in talks and public education activities — each action is a meaningful step toward Reconciliation.

Three Indigenous figures raising cultural items under the words “Truth Before Reconciliation,” with braids and symbols in the background.
Truth Before Reconciliation

Learn the History

Residential Schools operated in Canada for over 150 years, forcibly removing more than 150,000 First Nations, Inuit and Métis children from their families. The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation offers a timeline and resources to help understand this history and its lasting impact.
Learn more about NCTR
call to action.
Reflect And Act

Read the TRC Calls to Action

Discover the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action — a roadmap for addressing the legacy of Residential Schools and advancing Reconciliation across Canada.
Read the Calls to Action
Handmade orange paper hearts with messages honoring Residential School survivors and children who never returned.
Make your commitment

Contribute to the Heart Garden

This September, visit the Heart Booth in Marshall McLuhan Hall on Sept. 29 to write your message on an orange heart. Your heart will be displayed as part of a collective act of remembrance and reflection.
View all commitments
Someone wears an orange shirt.
HONOUR AND REMEMBER

Wear Orange on September 30

September 30 is Orange Shirt Day, honouring Residential School Survivors and the children who never returned. Wearing an orange shirt symbolizes remembrance and commitment to Reconciliation.
Support Orange Shirt Day
Woman speaking at podium holding a drum during Orange Shirt Day, with others in orange shirts listening outdoors.
Be Part of the Journey

Attend Events and Ceremonies

At UM, join Indigenous-led ceremonies, prayers, Survivor talks and the Truth Walk to learn, reflect and connect with the community. By taking part, you help carry forward the work of truth and Reconciliation.
See the UM NDTR Schedule
People wearing orange shirts and regalia participate in a Truth Walk, carrying flags and a staff with feathers.
Keep the Work Going

Commit to Ongoing Action

Bring Reconciliation to life every day — in classrooms, workplaces and communities. Your actions help create lasting change and honour Survivors’ stories.
Follow us!
Christine Cyr, Nicki Ferland, and Vanessa Lillie standing together in front of the sweat lodge, holding gardening tools and smiling.
Learn, Listen, Respect

Respect Indigenous cultures and values

Deepen your understanding of Indigenous histories, cultures and values. Learn how to engage respectfully and meaningfully — in research, study and daily life — to help build a future rooted in Reconciliation.
Learn more about Indigenous Culture and Protocols
Working in good ways with Indigenous people.
Building Respectful Relationships

Working in Good Ways with Indigenous communities

Before beginning any work — whether research, visits, or other interactions with Indigenous communities — explore the Working in Good Ways resources. They offer respectful and effective strategies to guide collaboration, helping students, faculty, and practitioners build relationships, reduce harm and create meaningful, community-led learning and research experiences.
Learn more about Working in Good Ways
Three Indigenous figures raising cultural items under the words “Truth Before Reconciliation,” with braids and symbols in the background.
call to action.
Handmade orange paper hearts with messages honoring Residential School survivors and children who never returned.
Someone wears an orange shirt.
Woman speaking at podium holding a drum during Orange Shirt Day, with others in orange shirts listening outdoors.
People wearing orange shirts and regalia participate in a Truth Walk, carrying flags and a staff with feathers.
Christine Cyr, Nicki Ferland, and Vanessa Lillie standing together in front of the sweat lodge, holding gardening tools and smiling.
Working in good ways with Indigenous people.
Close-up of orange heart messages on grass.

Save the date

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation events
Various locations

Truth and Reconciliation events at UM

Leading up to National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30, 2026, the UM campus will offer opportunities to engage in Reconciliation. You can take part in Indigenous-led ceremonies, join community walks and participate in discussions that encourage reflection, learning and meaningful action.

We need truth before Reconciliation.
Read the TRC Report and learn the history.
Anonymous Heart Garden message

Path of Truth and Reconciliation

As UM’s path of truth and Reconciliation is unfolding, and we walk this journey with purpose. Through events, initiatives and community collaboration, we honour Survivors and transform memory and reflection into momentum for meaningful change. The stories below highlight Reconciliation in action at UM.

Professor Niigaan Sinclair stands outside and smiles at the camera.

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Creating new rooms
Dr. Kim TallBear's headshot.

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Indigenous belonging
Grandmother-in-Residence sitting outside at a picnic table talking to a student.

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What Survivors kept
Group of students and community members outdoors, smiling and waving together during a gathering or retreat.

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Working with community

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Contact us

Indigenous Engagement and Communications
L'offis Wiichihihwahk -- Office of the Vice-President (Indigenous)
406 - 55 Chancellor’s Circle
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB R3T 5V6 Canada

indigenous.engagement@umanitoba.ca