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File photo, courtesy Erika Rolling.
By Erika Rolling
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

NDTR events in Grande Prairie

Sep 29, 2025 | 3:06 PM

September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which is also known as Orange Shirt Day.

NDTR has been marked as a national holiday since 2021, but the movement known as Orange Shirt Day started back in 2013.

A large emphasis in the years since the inital movement have involved the phrase “Every Child Matters”.

The day is meant to honour and recognize those that went through the residential school system, their families, and children that never came home.

Multiple activities are being held in Grande Prairie to mark the occasion.

Grande Prairie Friendship Centre

Two events are being held by the GPFS for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

  • Roots of Healing – 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Traditional Healing Garden
    • Prayer with Elder Lorette Parenteau-English
    • Faceless Doll Reveal
    • Healing Walk
    • Teaching
    • Plant a Tree
    • Lunch
  • 5 KM Walk/Run in Muskoseepi Park
    • 4:00 p.m. registration ($15), 5:00 p.m. start

Grande Prairie Aboriginal Circle of Services

There will be a gathering at the 55 North Community Centre (10222 101 Ave, Grande Prairie) to “remember the Indian Residential School Experience, to witness and honour the healing journey of survivors and their families, and to commit to the ongoing process of reconciliation.”

The event will start at 9:30 a.m. with a pipe ceremony.

Lunch will be provided to attendees at noon and at 1:00 p.m. a Residential School Survivor and Intergenerational Youth will share their stories.

There will also be an honour song, healing jingle dance, women singing group, tree announcement, and open mic during the event.

Northwestern Polytechnic

Northwestern Polytechnic’s Indigenous Services will be hosting an Indigenous Floor Map at the Douglas J. Cardinal Performing Arts Centre from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

The post-secondary school says all community members are welcome to attend this “learning opportunity to honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.”

The 45-minute interactive experience will discuss residential schools and the ongoing efforts of reconciliation.

by Erika Rolling