National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Campus Observances in Peterborough and Durham

Posted: September 21, 2026

Orange graphic for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. White text reads, "National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. September 30." A white circle on the right displays the text "Every Child Matters," with two open hands connected by a medicine wheel symbol, and surrounding floral design.

Event Details

Wednesday, September 30, 2026
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM

September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day dedicated to acknowledging the intergenerational impact of residential schools while honouring the process of reconciliation. This is a day for everyone to reflect on the history between First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples and settler Canadians and to further our understanding of the injustices of the last centuries.

We encourage all members of our community to take this day as an opportunity for self-reflection, learning, and dialogue about the ongoing journey toward reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in Canada. This day serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of residential schools and the need for truth, healing, and change. Let us use this occasion to deepen our understanding, foster empathy, and renew our dedication to the path of reconciliation.

To mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Trent University is hosting a number of in-person events to support learning and reflection while encouraging members of the Trent community to take action on reconciliation.

Peterborough

6:30 a.m. Sunrise Ceremony, Champlain College Fire Pit
9:30 a.m. Campus Ceremony and moment of silence, Champlain College Fire Pit
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon Bridge Chalking, Stephenson/LEC Bridge
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Information table and learning activities, Lower Bata Podium
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. First Peoples House of Learning will hold space and provide supports for Indigenous students in the Ernest & Florence Benedict Gathering Space. Lunch will be provided.
12:00 noon Three Sisters Lunch, Gzowski College Quad. While supplies last.
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Quilting Circle in support of Quilts for Survivors, The Trend, Traill College. No sewing experience is necessary, and all materials will be supplied. This casual drop-in invites community members to learn or share basic hand-sewing skills and help sew a quilt top to be donated to Quilts for Survivors. For more information, contact canadianstudies@trentu.ca.
Details coming soon – Student drop-in sacred fire at the Traditional Area / Mnidoowag A’Kiing.

Ongoing, Traill College: Drop in for personal reflection at the Children's Heart Garden, located on the south side of Kerr House. The garden was established with seeds given to the Frost Centre for Canadian Studies and Indigenous Studies in 2019 by Dr. Cindy Blackstock (Gitxsan), Executive Director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada, during her visit to Trent to receive an honorary doctorate. The garden honours children sent to residential schools and their families and expresses a commitment to the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Calls for Justice of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Learn more through Honouring Memories, Planting Dreams. For more information about this opportunity, contact canadianstudies@trentu.ca.

Durham GTA

In the days leading up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Trent Durham community is invited to take part in initiatives across campus designed to foster reflection, learning and dialogue. Community members are invited to contribute to a collective banner of care and support in recognition of Truth and Reconciliation. During these events, livestreams from the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation will be shown, and displays will provide resources about the meaning and significance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Monday, September 21: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m., Building A Atrium
Tuesday, September 22: 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Building A Atrium
Wednesday, September 23: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Building A Atrium, with National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Trivia from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Thursday, September 24: 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., Library Atrium
Monday, September 28: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon, Library Atrium, with National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Trivia from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Tuesday, September 29: 2:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., Building A Atrium

Wednesday, September 30, 2026

11:00 a.m. - Campus Ceremony, Medicine Garden*
11:30 a.m. - Three Sisters Lunch, Building A Atrium. While supplies last.
11:30 a.m. - Lecture with Memee Lavell-Harvard, Building A Atrium
12:30 p.m. - Community activities including beading, Orange Shirt support messages and rock painting, Medicine Garden*

*Weather permitting. Alternate location: Building A Atrium.

All members of the Trent community are welcome. Visit the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation webpage to view the full program and learn more about Truth & Reconciliation at Trent. For additional resources, including Trent’s Protocol Guidebook, visit Trent’s Indigenous Initiatives webpage.

Contact Info

Jessica Brooks, Events & Advancement Assistant, External Relations
jessicabrooks@trentu.ca