How to observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Waterloo Region

Every Child Matters Walk in Kitchener. September 2022. (Christine Clark CityNews Kitchener)

Posted Sep 29, 2026 07:26:21 AM.

Wednesday, Sept. 30 is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada with numerous events, ceremonies and walks to mark the annual event.

This is the 6th year for the federal statutory holiday, reflecting on and remembering the impacts of the residential school system on Indigenous families.

The Healing of the Seven Generations will once again host a walk through downtown Kitchener to mark the day.

The local group said the ‘Remember Me Walk’ is an opportunity to “spread awareness and reflect on the tragedies from residential schools, experienced by Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island.”

Another Grand River Transit bus wrap will also be unveiled at the annual walk, with this year’s work designed by Kevin George.

*Every Child Matters Grand River Transit Bus from previous year. The latest design will be unveiled on Wednesday, Sept. 30 (Region of Waterloo)*

The walk will start at 10 a.m. outside the Healing of the Seven Generations headquarters at 300 Frederick Street, and end at Victoria Park for speeches, story sharing and more.

A Sacred Fire will then be held at Crow Shield Lodge on David Street along with drumming and words from Elders.

In Waterloo, the University of Waterloo will also once again host a day of events to mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

It includes a sunrise ceremony, polishing ceremony, speeches, dancing, and an orange shirt walk around Ring Road. All of the ceremonies will start and end at the B.C. Matthews Hall (BMH) Green.

“As a University, we have an important role to play in advancing truth and reconciliation,” read the University’s website.

“This work belongs to all of us, and it requires ongoing reflection, education, and engagement.”

Details on the full schedule of events at the university can be found here.

Sunrise Ceremony held at the University of Waterloo — *Observers gather at the University of Waterloo’s Sunrise Ceremony in September 2025 (CityNews Kitchener)*

Both the Kitchener Public Library and Waterloo Public Library have put together a list of resources honouring National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

First Nation Public Library Week will also be running the first week of October.

Although some will have the day off, Wednesday will still be a regular school day for the kids, and Grand River Transit will be running on a normal schedule.

Canada Post service however will be halted for the day, and banks will be closed.

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