McMaster University is joining communities across the country in recognizing National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30.
The day is an opportunity to honour survivors of residential schools, remember the children who never returned home, and reflect on the role each of us can play in advancing reconciliation.
“Advancing reconciliation is a critical priority for our entire McMaster community, as reflected by its place among the four foundations of our new strategic plan, Bolder Together,” says McMaster President Susan Tighe. “We are committed to advancing reconciliation in meaningful, measurable and sustained ways across the university. I encourage everyone to learn more about reconciliation throughout the year. We have a robust schedule of activities leading to and during the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30, and I hope everyone will participate and reflect on the importance of this commitment.”
To support participation and reflection, all classes at McMaster will be cancelled on Sept. 30. The university will remain open, and it will be a regular work day for faculty and staff.
Central to the annual commemoration is Orange Shirt Day, a grassroots movement born from the story of Phyllis Webstad, whose new orange shirt was taken from her on her first day at a residential school. Since then, the orange shirt has become a widely recognized symbol of the loss of culture, freedom and sense of self experienced by children in residential schools.
Below, you can find listings of events at McMaster and in the community for the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, as well as resources for further learning.
Events
This is a running list that will be updated with more events as they are submitted.
Fall Equinox Teachings & Open House Drop-In
Date: Monday, Sept. 21
Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Indigenous Health Learning Lodge (MDCL 3510)
Join the Indigenous Health Learning Lodge for a day of traditional knowledge teachings focused on the fall equinox and harvest season with Grandmother Renee. Come enjoy three sisters soup and join the orange shirt beading circle.
Fall Equinox Teachings with Traditional Knowledge Keeper Renee Thomas Hill 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Soup and Socializing 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Beading Orange Shirt Pin 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Who Should Attend: This event is open to all
Organizers: Indigenous Health Learning Lodge
Red Power Rising film screening
Date: Friday, Sept. 25
Time: 1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Location: Westdale Theatre, 1014 King Street West, Hamilton
Description: Join a free screening of Ni-Naadamaadiz: Red Power Rising, a compelling film that brings to life the story of the Anishinaabe youth occupation in Kenora, Ontario in 1974.
Following the screening, Savage Bear, Assistant Professor at McMaster University, will host a special Q&A with Tanya Talaga, Executive Producer and Co-Writer, and Tom Wilson, Film Composer. This engaging conversation will offer an opportunity to explore the making of the film, the history and significance of the Red Power movement, and its continued relevance today.
Whether you are familiar with the story or discovering it for the first time, this event offers a powerful opportunity to learn, reflect and engage in conversation.
Who Should Attend: Everyone. Reserve your spot here.
Organizers: Presented in collaboration with McMaster Indigenous Health Learning Lodge (IHLL), McMaster Indigenous Studies Department (ISD), McMaster Indigenous Student Services (ISS), Wilson College of Leadership & Civic Engagement, Wilson Institute for Canadian History, and McMaster Campus Store
Recognizing Truth and Reconciliation Soccer Matches
Date: Friday, Sept. 25
Time: 6:00 p.m. (Women’s), 8:30 p.m. (Men’s)
Location: Ron Joyce Stadium
Description: To honour Truth & Reconciliation on September 30, our McMaster soccer teams will wear orange warm-up shirts and special McMaster jerseys featuring the Indigenous Marauder logo, created by Cayuga Woodland artist Kyle Joedicke. This jersey and logo reflect the importance of Indigenous representation, visibility and identity in our community. ISAC will sell orange shirts and stickers featuring this Marauder logo; a portion of the funds will be donated to Woodland Culture Center. Note: We will also have a halftime performance by an Indigenous drum group.
Who Should Attend:Students, Faculty, Staff and Community members are invited to join us for the matches. Tickets available at: https://mcmaster.universitytickets.com/w/event.aspx?id=1731&p=1
Organizers: Collaboration between the Indigenous Student Athlete Council (ISAC) and Athletics & Recreation
Dr. Niigaan Sinclair: “Beyond September 30th…Where do we go from here?”
Date: Monday, Sept. 28
Time: 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Location: Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Learning and Discovery
(MDCL) 3020
Description: Please join the Indigenous Studies Department for a lecture and Q&A with Dr. Niigaan Sinclair.
Who Should Attend: Open to all via registration: https://bit.ly/ISDSinclair
Organizers: McMaster Indigenous Studies Department
Indigenous Inspired Bannock Bowls
Date: Monday, Sept. 28 – Wednesday, Sept. 30
Location: La Piazza (MUSC)
Description: An Indigenous-inspired menu will be available from Sept. 28 to Sept. 30 at La Piazza, including a cured salmon bowl, blueberry chicken bowl, and three sisters bowl.
Who Should Attend: Open to the entire McMaster community and anyone else who would like to try these dishes.
Organizers: Hospitality Services.
Literature in the Lounge – National Day for Truth & Reconciliation Collection
Date: Monday, Sept 28 – Friday, Oct. 2
Location: SWC Wellness Lounge, PGCLL, Level 2
Description: In recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th, the Student Wellness Centre Lounge will feature a collection of literature. Those visiting the lounge are invited to explore short stories and graphic novels that reflect the ongoing impact of residential schools, explore themes of truth and reconciliation, and offer insights on how to reflect these values in daily life. By integrating literature into the wellness space, the program invites ongoing reflection, connection, and learning through stories that centers diverse lived experiences. The literature will be on display in the Wellness Lounge, as well as wooden bookmarks for student’s to decorate. Participants will be able to submit their reflections for a chance to win a gift card and/or prize.
Learn more: Literature in the Lounge: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Student Wellness Centre
Who Should Attend: Students, faculty and staff of McMaster
Organizers: Student Wellness Centre, Health Promotion Team
Bones of Crows: Film Screening & Indigenous Artisan Market
Date: Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: This event is being offered simultaneously at multiple cinema locations. Please register for the screening location you plan to attend.
Choose one of the following screening locations:
Hamilton Landmark Cinemas Jackson Square
2 King St W, Hamilton, ON
Register for the Hamilton film screening
Waterloo Landmark Cinemas Waterloo
415 The Boardwalk, Waterloo, ON
Register for the Waterloo film screening
St. Catharines Landmark Cinemas Pen Centre
210 Glendale Ave, St. Catharines, ON
Register for the St. Catharines film screening
Description: In observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the McMaster Indigenous Health Learning Lodge and Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) invites FHS students faculty and staff to attend a screening of Bones of Crows.
Before the film, attendees can browse an Indigenous Artisan Market featuring local Indigenous artists and vendors. This event offers an opportunity to reflect, learn, and engage while honouring survivors, families, and communities impacted by the residential school system.
Admission is free for FHS learners staff and faculty, and donations of menstrual products and diapers are welcome and will be collected at each location in support of Indigenous community organizations. More info: https://ihll.healthsci.mcmaster.ca/events/bones-of-crows-film-screening-indigenous-artisan-market-2026/
Who Should Attend: McMaster learners, faculty and staff in the Faculty of Health Sciences
Organizers: McMaster Indigenous Health Learning Lodge and Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS)
Thonnéntha’ ahatitshén:ri’ ne wattokhà:tshera | They Come for Wisdom
Date: Wednesday, Sept. 30
Time: 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: McMaster Museum of Art
Description: This National Day for Truth and Reconciliation eat and educate event provides an opportunity for participants to learn, reflect and engage in meaningful conversations about the history and lasting impacts of residential schools on Indigenous peoples.
Attendees will explore artwork from the museum’s collection highlighting themes of family, culture, nutrition and food as important aspects of community and identity. Through meaningful discussions, participants will gain a deeper understanding of Truth and Reconciliation and its importance in acknowledging the past while working toward a more respectful and inclusive future.
This is a free event. The first 10 registrants will receive a complimentary bundle of exhibition catalogs featuring Indigenous artists from Turtle Island.
Who Should Attend: Everyone. Spots are limited, register here.
Organizers: Hosted by the McMaster Museum of Art
Truth and Reconciliation Day Tree Planting
Date: Wednesday, Sept. 30
Time: 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: McMaster Parking Lot P
Description: Join us to plant native plant species, including species with cultural significance to local indigenous groups! Learn more: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1997774538423?aff=oddtdtcreator
Who Should Attend: Any and all are welcome.
Organizers: Nature at McMaster
The Celestial Bear: The Six Nations’ Night Sky
Date: Wednesday, Sept. 30
Time: Shows at 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.
Location: W.J. McCallion Planetarium, Burke Science Building B149, McMaster University
Description: In recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30, all funds from these ticket sales will go to a local Indigenous non-profit organization.
“That is how I heard the story, so I thought that is how you would hear it as well …”
Join us for a fascinating show that blends local culture, history, and modern-day astronomy that shares the Six Nation’s sky lore and language through traditional indigenous night-sky stories. With narration and visuals by a live presentation and pre-recorded excerpts (in English, Mohawk, and Cayuga), learn about the story of the bear and the brothers and how it is retold every year with the rotating patterns in the night sky. See the same stars with a completely different understanding and appreciation!
This show was collaboratively produced by members of the Six Nations, McMaster’s Indigenous Studies Department, and the McCallion Planetarium.
Tickets available here: https://planetarium.physics.mcmaster.ca/
Who Should Attend: Everyone
Organizers: The McCallion Planetarium, Department of Physics and Astronomy
Onekwá:tara – the Seven Dancers of the Pleiades
Date: Wednesday, Sept. 30
Time: Shows at 3:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. and 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Location: W.J. McCallion Planetarium, Burke Science Building B149, McMaster University
Description: In recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30, all funds from today’s ticket sales will go to a local Indigenous non-profit organization.
“This is the oral tradition that I have passed down to the Haudenosaunee, the people of Six Nations, from one generation to the next. I now pass that tradition onto you so you will also know and understand the teachings contained in iotsistohkwaronnion (the stars), and when you see me in the sky you will also remember my words.”
Join a fascinating show that blends local culture, history, and modern-day astronomy and shares the Six Nations’ sky lore and language through traditional Indigenous night-sky stories. With narration and visuals by a live presentation and pre-recorded excerpts (in English and Mohawk), learn about the story of Onekwá:tara – the Seven Dancers of the Pleiades, and how the story is portrayed in the night sky. See the same stars with a completely different understanding and appreciation!
This show was collaboratively produced by members of the Six Nations, McMaster’s Indigenous Studies Department, and the McCallion Planetarium.
Tickets available here: https://planetarium.physics.mcmaster.ca/
Who Should Attend: Everyone
Organizers: The McCallion Planetarium, Department of Physics and Astronomy
Know about an event that’s not on this list? Please reach out to us at: newseditor@mcmaster.ca
Resources and Learning Opportunities
Reconciliation is an ongoing journey that calls on all of us to move from awareness to action. Explore the resources below to continue your learning beyond Sept. 30.
Indigenous Health Learning Lodge Culture of Safety
This online course is designed to help create culturally safe, respectful and inclusive care environments for Indigenous peoples. Through five self-paced modules, you will explore Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabeg histories, worldviews, and health practices, while reflecting on your own assumptions and learning strategies for reconciliation and allyship.
Learn more: https://ihll.healthsci.mcmaster.ca/programs/culture-of-safety-online/
5 ways settlers can learn and contribute to truth and reconciliation
Learn more: https://healthsci.mcmaster.ca/5-ways-settlers-can-learn-and-contribute-to-truth-and-reconciliation/
San’Yas Indigenous Specific Anti-Racism Training
Learn more: https://sanyas.ca/
University of Alberta — Indigenous Canada
Indigenous Canada is a 12-lesson Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) from the Faculty of Native Studies that explores the different histories and contemporary perspectives of Indigenous peoples living in Canada.
Learn more: https://www.ualberta.ca/en/admissions-programs/online-courses/indigenous-canada/index.html