5th Annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Parkdale—High Park

The land we call Parkdale—High Park is the traditional territory of many first nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.

Tuesday, September 30, 2025 marks the 5th Annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, as well as Orange Shirt Day.

Across our public schools, educators and students are learning about the experiences of First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples and how to honour the children of the residential school system and their families. As family and community members, we can learn alongside them by participating in these free local events in High Park and Roncesvalles Village.

I highly recommend the screening of Night Raiders which I’ve had the honour of viewing together with trustee colleagues and school leaders. The Toronto Public Library also offers several opportunities to continue learning free of cost throughout the year, including a Reading for Reconciliation Book List. Learn more about TPL Indigenous Initiatives.

National Day of Truth and Reconciliation in High Park led by Philip Cote

1:00-2:30pm

High Park Forest School (375 Colbourne Lodge Drive)

Join as Knowledge Keeper Philip Cote leads an afternoon of teachings and ceremony to honour the children of the residential school system and their families. The gathering will include an opening presentation, smudge ceremony and sacred fire, medicine walk, and traditional buffalo stew. This is a free, drop-in community gathering. Learn more on the High Park Nature Centre website.

Dundas Roncesvalles Peace Garden Orange Shirt Walk on Roncy

3:30-5:00pm

Everyone is invited to join friends and neighbours as we gather locally to recognize the National Day of Truth & Reconciliation 2025, starting at the Dundas Roncesvalles Peace Garden. Learn more at the DRPG Facebook page.

Revue Cinema: Free Screening of Night Raiders

400 Roncesvalles Avenue

Showtime: 9:30pm

For National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day in Canada, The Revue will be hosting a free/PWYC screening of NIGHT RAIDERS. They will be taking donations at the door and online which will be directed to the Indian Residential School Survivors Society.Partial proceeds from concessions for the day will also be directed to the Indian Residential School Survivors Society.

Synopsis: The year is 2043. A military occupation controls disenfranchised cities in post-war North America. Children are property of the State. A desperate Cree woman joins an underground band of vigilantes to infiltrate a State children’s academy and get her daughter back. Night Raiders is a female-driven dystopian drama about resilience, courage and love. Learn more at the Revue Cinema website.

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