Beyond Wearing Orange: How Thunder Bay Is Honouring National Truth & Reconciliation Day This Year
Amanda Bay
September 16, 2025
September 30th is more than just a date on the calendar. It marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a time to honour the children who never made it home from residential schools, support survivors, and commit to learning and action. While wearing an orange shirt is a powerful symbol, many in Thunder Bay are asking: What more can we do?
There are several ways to show up, listen, and participate in the community this year:
The 4th Annual Honouring Our Children Run
One of the city’s most moving events takes place at Boulevard Lake with the Honouring Our Children Run, started in 2022 by the Mazinaajim Children’s Foundation. This isn’t just a run, it’s a healing movement. Hundreds of people gather to run, walk, roll, or support participants as they honour children lost to residential schools, while standing in solidarity with survivors and their families.
This year’s event includes:
The morning also opens with Jingle Dress dancers and drumming, a Sacred Fire, Elders onsite for support, and cultural teachings like making orange tobacco ties. Funds raised support the Mazinaajim Children’s Foundation, which helps over 6,000 kids and families with sports equipment, arts programs, cultural opportunities, and leadership supports.
The first race starts 8:30 AM. To register: honouringourchildrenrun.ca
Fort William First Nation’s 10th Annual Traditional Fall Gathering
Later in the day, you can head to Anemki Wajiw – Mount McKay for Fort William First Nation’s Traditional Fall Gathering. This annual celebration will honour children and youth. Pow wows are powerful spaces of healing, where song, dance, and ceremony help reconnect people with culture, spirit, and community. On a day like September 30th, gathering in the Pow wow circle allows everyone to honour children taken too soon.
This year’s gathering carries even more meaning as the head dancers are two young people from Fort William First Nation— Brentley Collins and Nev Morriseau, as they represent the strength of the next generation
Highlights include:
The gathering is a family friendly event and everyone is welcome with the heartbeat of the drum guiding the way.
Other Ways to Honour the Day in Thunder Bay:
Ontario Native Women’s Association Sacred Fire: ONWA will be hosting a sacred fire to honour all survivors, family members, and friends. The event includes cedar tea, bannock, drumming, and land games. The event located at 380 Ray Blvd is open to all community members and takes place from 11 AM to 4 PM.
Educational Opportunities: Local organizations and schools are holding sessions on Indigenous history, reconciliation, and the legacy of residential schools. Keep an eye out for community postings.
Whether you’re running, dancing, gathering or taking time to learn and reflect, no matter how you choose to take part, September 30th is about more than just orange shirts. It’s about action, healing and carrying this work forward every day.
