New to Thunder Bay? Get Ready to FALL in Love With our City
Amanda Bay
September 29, 2026
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 5th 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 at 8:00 AM. To register: honouringourchildrenrun.ca
Fort William First Nation’s 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.
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:
Together in Reflection Sacred Fire and Flag Raising Honoring National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: The Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre and the City of Thunder Bay are hosting a community gathering at Hillcrest Park on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, from 6–8 p.m.
The evening will bring together Knowledge Keepers, Fire Keepers and community members for traditional drumming, songs, learning and reflection. Community members are welcome to bring their own hand drums and rattles and join in the songs. All are encouraged to wear orange. Soup and bannock will also be served.
For more information, contact maamawe@thunderbay.ca.
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.
