Governor General to mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with a series of events

September 25, 2023

OTTAWA, Ontario—Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, will participate in a series of reflection focused activities in Ottawa to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Public commemoration of the painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30 honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. In keeping with the day’s education theme, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an important opportunity for all Canadians to learn, to understand and to build respect for one another, as well as to share their knowledge with others.

Times are indicated in Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).

Thursday, September 28, 2023
10:30 a.m.
Gidinawendimin – We Are All Related, Youth Event at TD Place Arena
The Governor General will participate in Gidinawendimin – We Are All Related, a youth‑focused event, featuring Survivors, Knowledge Keepers, and Indigenous music and culture. Her Excellency will deliver a speech in honour of Survivors of residential schools, and all the lives and communities impacted by the residential school system in Canada. The event is organized by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.
1015 Bank Street
OPEN TO MEDIA
Media contact: Emdash Media Relations, 613-369-5006, media@emdashagency.ca

Friday, September 29, 2023
10:00 a.m.
Learning and Healing Through Art: Student Discussion at Rideau Hall for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The Governor General will host an intergenerational discussion with Meryl McMaster, a Canadian nêhiyaw artist (Plains Cree, from Red Pheasant Cree Nation), British and Dutch ancestry, about the importance of learning about residential schools, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation’s significance for reconciliation more broadly, and art’s ability to inspire reflection on important national issues. Following the discussion, local youth will have the opportunity to take part in a hands‑on activity alongside the Governor General and Meryl McMaster to deepen their understanding of Canada’s true history.
Rideau Hall
OPEN TO MEDIA
Note: Media are asked to arrive at the Princess Anne Entrance no later than 9:30 on the day of the event.
Media contact: The Rideau Hall Press Office, 343-573-7563, media@gg.ca

Saturday, September 30, 2023
1:00 p.m.
Remembering the Children on Parliament Hill
The Governor General will join Survivors, Indigenous leaders and dignitaries for the national commemorative gathering Remembering the Children being held on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The gathering is being hosted by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR), in partnership with the Aboriginal People’s Television Network (APTN) and the Algonquin Nation. Her Excellency will deliver remarks in memory of the thousands of children who were sent to residential schools and those who never returned home.
111 Wellington St
OPEN TO MEDIA
Media contact: Emdash Media Relations, 613-369-5006, media@emdashagency.ca

Notes for media

  • The Governor General, who has been an Honorary Witness of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission since 2014, will release a statement about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, 2023. Media interested in receiving the statement in advance (under embargo) are encouraged to reach out to media@gg.ca.
  • Members of the media must confirm their attendance at select events with the media contacts listed above.
  • Photos taken by the Governor General’s official photographer will be made available upon request.
  • Media can follow the Governor General’s activities online.

Media information
Rideau Hall Press Office
343-573-7563
media@gg.ca

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