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National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Western
The annual observance of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR) will be observed at Western University on Wednesday, September 30, with events and learning opportunities honouring the day throughout September and into October.
Western has designated September 30 as a non-instructional day, meaning no regularly scheduled classes are held. This allows everyone within our learning community to participate in events across campus and the London area that honours Survivors, their families, and the children who never returned home.
While NDTR is recognized once a year, the work of Truth and Reconciliation must be embraced every day by all Western units to foster meaningful and lasting change.
For questions, please contact indigenousinitiatives@uwo.ca
OII-Led NDTR Events
Monday, September 28 – Orange Shirt Flag Raising Ceremony
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Concrete Beach, University Community Centre
- Remarks from Elders, Indigenous community leaders and campus leadership speaking to the importance of Truth and Reconciliation at Western.
- Traditional drumming group during the ceremony
- Open to everyone
Wednesday, September 30 – Sunrise Ceremony
6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Wampum Learning Lodge
- Sunrise Ceremony led by Elder Mike Hopkins
- Breakfast & refreshments to be served after the sunrise ceremony (while supplies last)
- Sacred fire to remain lit until 2 p.m., all visitors welcome throughout the day to pay respects and offer prayers
- Long skirts will be admired, but not required
- Open to everyone
NDTR Events Across Campus
More to be announced!
Missing an event? Submit your on-campus event details to indigenousinitiatives@uwo.ca
Engaging with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Toolkit (2025)
- Amplify NDTR messaging and events on social media from OII, Western University, Western units, and local First Nations and Indigenous organizations
- Attend faculty/department-specific events to learn how Truth and Reconciliation connects to your discipline and future career
- Wear orange and attend the September 29 Flag Raising Ceremony and September 30 Sunrise Ceremony to show solidarity
- Ask campus leaders how they are implementing Western’s Indigenous Strategic Plan (2016)
- Join the Indigenous Student Association as an allied member
- Enroll in an Indigenous Studies course to deepen your formal education
- Amplify NDTR messaging and event information in all unit communication channels
- Host discipline‑specific learning events for staff, faculty, and students
- Invite Indigenous speakers to classes, meetings, or gatherings
- Sponsor exhibits on Indigenous histories, cultures, leadership, art, food, or traditions
- Review the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, Principles for Truth and Reconciliation, and Western’s Indigenous Strategic Plan (2016) and discuss how they apply to your unit
- Promote Orange Shirt Day and NDTR events (orange shirts available at the Western Bookstore)
- Encourage staff and faculty to complete the 4 Seasons of Reconciliation module (available on the OII website)
- Western Bookstore: Designed by Indigenous student Kolbi Williams (Six Nations of the Grand River). All proceeds go to the Save the Barn initiative for Chippewas of the Thames First Nation.
- Rezonance Printing: Design by a different Indigenous artist each year, created at an Indigenous-led screen printing shop in London. Adult and youth sizes available.
Additional guidance to inform and support campus initiatives:
Additional Learning Opportunities by the NCTR:
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) offers educational programming to support age-appropriate learning about residential schools.
Pre-Recorded Content:
Taking Truth to Action - a week-long learning series supporting curriculum-aligned content for grades 1-12.