Lakehead University Observes National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Lakehead University's campuses will be closed and classes will be cancelled on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. This day provides an opportunity to reflect on the multi-generational impacts of Canada's Residential School system, honour the children who survived, and remember those who did not.
Lakehead Orillia's Survivors' Flag-raising ceremony on September 5, 2025.
A Month of Reflection and Learning
September is a month of truth-telling, reflection, and learning at Lakehead University—essential steps on the path toward meaningful action and reconciliation. Closing campuses on September 30 allows students, faculty, and staff to participate in this important day through quiet reflection or involvement in community events.
Creating Understanding and Building Bridges
Earlier this month, Survivors' Flag-raising ceremonies were held on the Thunder Bay and Orillia campuses. Indigenous community leaders, including Honorary Survivors and Elders Bob Baxter and Ernie Sandy, shared their stories and perspectives.
More events and learning opportunities continue throughout the month to support everyone's personal journey toward reconciliation. September 30 is a time not only to acknowledge the harms caused by Residential Schools but also to take action to prevent them from ever happening again and to seek justice for survivors.
Honorary Survivor and Elder Bob Baxter speaks at Lakehead Thunder Bay's Survivors' Flag Raising ceremony on September 5, 2025.
UNIVERSITY EVENTS:
Lakehead Orillia Events:
September 24: "Truth and Reconciliation in an Era of Distraction." Attend this virtual talk by Dr. Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux, Lakehead's Chair on Truth and Reconciliation, from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm.
Lakehead Thunder Bay Events:
September 19: Powley Day ceremony celebrating the legacy of activist Steve Powley and the historic Métis victory at the Supreme Court of Canada in 2003. The ceremony will take place in the Agora from 1:30-2:30 pm. You can also watch the event on Zoom.
September 20: Fall Harvest at the Sweat Lodge site from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm. Join Lakehead University Elders to learn cultural teachings and sample traditional foods.
September 18, 23, and 29: Elder Beatrice Twance-Hynes is available to meet with students, staff, and faculty from 12:00 - 4:00 pm for individual or small group teachings in the Gakina Nindinawemaaganag Lounge in the Indigenous Student Services Centre (University Centre, UC1007).
September 24: "Truth and Reconciliation in an Era of Distraction." Attend this virtual talk by Dr. Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux, Lakehead's Chair on Truth and Reconciliation, from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm.
September 29: Bead a Pin for Orange Shirt Day. All material will be provided so that participants can create Orange Shirt Day beaded pins. This event, hosted by the Indigenous Student Services Centre, runs from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm in the Agora.
COMMUNITY EVENTS:
Simcoe County Community Events:
September 22: Orange Shirt Day Flag Raising from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm at the Orillia Opera House at 20 Mississaga St W. The Orillia Native Women's Group (ONWG), Biminaawzogin Regional Aboriginal Women's Circle (BRAWC), Mamaway Wiidokdaadwin, and the City of Orillia are raising a flag in honour of those who attended Residential School. Click here to register.
September 30: Truth and Reconciliation events supported by the Barrie Native Friendship Centre, Mamaway Wiidokdaadwin, the Barrie Public Library, and the City of Barrie at Spirit Catcher (15 Lakeshore Drive, Barrie) including a Sunrise Ceremony, Sacred Fire, guest speakers, and a memorial walk.
September 30: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 5th Annual Community Event from 5:00 - 7:00 pm. The event (hosted by the ONWG, Mamaway Wiidokdaadwin, and BRAWC) begins at the Orillia Common Roof Building at 169 Front Street South, followed by an Honour Walk to Couchiching Park, a Youth and Children Panel Presentation, and an Honour song and round dance.
September 30: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation event hosted by the Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre at 175 Yonge Street in Midland from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm. Events include opening songs and prayers, traditional dancers, a Sacred Fire, drumming, and a barbecue.
September 30: Ceremonies and tours will be held throughout the day at the Sainte-Marie among the Hurons historic site in Midland, offering a chance to reflect, commemorate, and learn. Admission is free.
Thunder Bay Community Events:
September 29: National Day of Truth and Reconciliation Survivors' Flag Raising hosted by the City of Thunder Bay at Hillcrest Park. The ceremony begins at 6:00 pm.
September 30: Orange Shirt Day Walk & Gathering in Support of Residential School Survivors and their Families hosted by Nishnawbe Aski Nation. The event begins at 10:30 am with opening remarks at City Hall (500 Donald Street East) followed by a walk to Vickers Park.
September 30: Fort William First Nation 10th Annual Traditional Fall Gathering at Anemki Wajiw (Mount McKay Scenic Lookout) in honour of Indigenous children. Events include a Sunrise Ceremony, grand entries, youth and tiny tot dance specials, a hand drum special, and a feast.
September 30: Honouring Our Children Run at Boulevard Lake hosted by Dilico Anishinabek Family Care. Funds raised from this event will help support the Mazinaajim Children's Foundation—a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Indigenous children and their families.
October 4: Sisters in Spirit Sunrise Ceremony is taking place at The Spirit Garden in Marina Park from 7:30 - 8:30 am. For more information, contact Karissa Michano at kmichano@nan.ca.
More Ways to Show Your Support:
- Wear an orange shirt
- Watch the Phyllis Webstad - On Orange Shirt Day video
- Read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Calls to Action
- Support Indigenous-led businesses
- Use the social media hashtags:
#OrangeShirtDay, #EveryChildMatters, #TruthAndReconciliation, and #NDTR
Lakehead University's campuses are located on the traditional lands of Fort William First Nation and the traditional territory of the Anishnaabeg, specifically the Chippewas of Rama First Nation, a member of the Chippewa Tri-Council and Three Fires Confederacy.