Truth and Reconciliation Day – Every Child Matters

As September 30 approaches, we pause to reflect on the Indigenous children taken from their families, the survivors of residential schools, and the communities still enduring the intergenerational impacts of colonial policies. The unmarked graves at Kamloops and other former residential school sites stand as enduring evidence of these truths and our collective responsibility to remember, learn, and act in solidarity with Indigenous peoples. This day calls us not only to reflect, but to commit to meaningful action toward reconciliation.

For us as media workers, this day carries a particular responsibility. The stories we cover—and how we cover them—matter. Accurate, careful, and respectful reporting can amplify Indigenous voices and help Canadians understand the ongoing effects of colonialism. Some of you will be working to report on Truth and Reconciliation Day events. We encourage members to wear orange on September 30th and to also attend events in your own communities as another important way to listen, learn, and bring that understanding into your work.

Our union is proud to represent Indigenous media workers at APTN and across other workplaces. Supporting Indigenous-led media goes beyond the stories themselves; it includes funding for organizations like APTN and ensuring that Indigenous journalists can continue to work in their communities, telling the stories that matter most. By standing together in solidarity, we strengthen our workplaces and help create opportunities for Indigenous media workers to thrive.

APTN and the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation invite Canadians to take part in the National Commemorative Gathering: Remembering the Children – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This 90-minute commemorative event highlights survivors as well as Indigenous artists. The event will be broadcast live from Parliament Hill, starting at 3 p.m. (ET) on the APTN channel and on several major television and radio networks.

We encourage all CMG members to reflect on what reconciliation means in our daily work, to show up for Indigenous colleagues, and to take meaningful steps toward supporting the communities we serve.

Here is a selection of events and locations happening across the country.

National Events & Initiatives

Truth and Reconciliation Week (Sept 22–26, 2025)

Hosted by: National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR)

Format: Daily 60-minute Lunch & Learn webinars featuring Survivors and subject matter experts.

Languages: English and French, with ASL interpretation.

Access: Open to all; details available on the NCTR website.

Remembering the Children Commemoration

Date: September 30, 2025

Select Regional Events

Saint John, N.B.

Event: Healing Walk for 2025 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation