Truth and Reconciliation Day 2026: What’s happening in Metro Vancouver

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation takes place on Sept. 30, 2026.

This year, the statutory holiday lands on a Wednesday, smack in the middle of the week. But there are plenty of opportunities to recognize and remember Indigenous children and families who have been impacted by residential schools. These events offer a chance to learn about the history of residential schools and what’s being done today.

Here are some of the ways you can learn about and mark Truth and Reconciliation Day around Metro Vancouver:

Sept. 30, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
845 Avison Way

For the sixth year, the Vancouver Aquarium will host a dedicated day of events to mark Truth and Reconciliation Day. The program includes a welcome ceremony and moment of silence at 10:30 a.m., storytelling and craft sessions with Squamish Nation author Lisa Lewis, and an opportunity to hear from Bob Baker, a Squamish Nation elder who is a residential school survivor. Traditional Indigenous bannock will also be available outside the Courtyard Café.

For the full schedule, go to vanaqua.org.

Sept. 30, 9 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Arts Umbrella, Granville Island, 1400 Johnston St., Vancouver

A fifth year of Indigenous-led events on Granville Island to “learn, reflect and engage.” It includes a welcome breakfast, a children’s book reading with Joseph A. Dandurand and a family art project with Aleen Sparrow

All proceeds go to the Urban Native Youth Association and All My Relations Indigenous Society to support their work with local Indigenous youth. Each event is pay-what-you-can with a suggested donation of $10 per event. More at artsumbrella.com.

Sept. 30, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Grandview Park, 1657 Charles St., Vancouver

A community gathering of “reflection, learning, culture and connection as we honour survivors, remember the children who never returned home, and recognize the strength and resilience of Indigenous communities.”

The day begins with an honour walk at 11:30 a.m. from the Vancouver Aboriginal Community Policing Centre, 1719 Franklin St., to Grandview Park. Participants are invited to wear orange and bring their drums in solidarity. At the park, take in cultural and contemporary performances and an Indigenous market. Free and all are welcome.

Sept. 30, 11:45 a.m. to 3 p.m.
1956 Main Mall, University of British Columbia
xʷc̓ic̓əsəm, 3461 Ross Dr., Vancouver

A march to commemorate Orange Shirt Day hosted by UBC’s faculties of land and food systems and forestry and environmental stewardship. Organizers welcome all UBC community members, families and those in solidarity.

The day includes a march, educational materials from UBC Bookstore for purchase, and sales of orange T-shirts, with proceeds to the Indian Residential School Survivors Society. The full itinerary is at forestry.ubc.ca.