National Day for Truth and Reconciliation / Orange Shirt Day 

Wednesday, September 30 

In observance of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, the Assiniboine Park Conservancy (APC) will host a Sacred Fire in the Indigenous Peoples Garden at The Leaf to honour the resilience, strength and courage of Survivors of the Indian Residential School System. 

Park visitors are encouraged to recognize the importance of this day as an opportunity to pause and reflect on the lasting impacts of Canada’s Indian Residential School System, the harms experienced by Survivors, their families, and communities, and the ongoing work of reconciliation. 

Sacred Fire | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 
Fire Node, Indigenous Peoples Garden at The Leaf 

The Fire Node in the Indigenous Peoples Garden at The Leaf is a welcoming and contemplative space open to all. Park visitors are invited to join us for a quiet moment of personal reflection. Indigenous educator Wayne Lalman will be speaking with visitors and sharing tobacco teachings. 

Community Donations 
Assiniboine Park Zoo and The Leaf

We are proud to support the important work of three Indigenous-led organizations through a minimum donation of $10,000, to be divided between the Orange Shirt Society, Ndinawemaaganag Endaawaad, and Indigenous Tourism Manitoba. 

The donation will consist of the following: 

• 15% of sales earned from admissions at The Leaf and Assiniboine Park Zoo on Wednesday, September 30. 

• 100% of orange lapel ribbon and pin donations: On Wednesday, September 30, orange lapel ribbons and pins will be offered to visitors with a suggested donation of $4. They will be available at The Leaf, the Fire Node in the Indigenous Peoples Garden, and multiple locations within the Zoo. 

• 100% of orange t-shirt sales: Orange t-shirts will be available for purchase at Wild Things Unique Gifts at the Zoo and The Leaf gift shop. All orange shirts have been sourced through Dreamcatcher Promotions, a Winnipeg-based, 100% Indigenous-owned and operated promotional products company. Shirts are available in youth and adult sizes, depending on the design and available inventory. Both shops are accessible with or without admission. While quantities last. 

Shirt designs include: 

• Zara Flett Design: Our newest custom APC design was created by Zara Flett, an Indigenous employee of Assiniboine Park Conservancy. Willow branches in the piece represent strength and resilience, while florals offer remembrance and respect. Butterflies and hearts symbolize transformation, love, and the possibility of healing. While grounded in truth and remembrance, the design also looks forward, carrying a message of strength, hope, and joy for future generations. Adult sizes – $20. 

• Paige Thompson Design: A custom APC Orange Shirt Day design created by Paige Thompson, a former Indigenous APC intern. Adult sizes – $20. 

• Other Orange Shirt Day Designs: A selection of additional Orange Shirt Day designs sourced through Dreamcatcher Promotions. Youth sizes – $15; adult sizes – $20. 

In recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and as a demonstration of respect and support for the significance of this day, all Assiniboine Park Conservancy employees will be invited to wear orange shirts or lapel ribbons on Tuesday, September 29 and Wednesday, September 30. 

All attractions will be open during regular hours of operation on September 30. 

Thank you to the Assiniboine Park Conservancy's National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Committee for their leadership and contributions to the ongoing process of reconciliation. The committee includes employees from across the organization who work together to coordinate meaningful, inclusive, and informative events in support of this important day of awareness.