National Day for Truth and Reconciliation / Orange Shirt Day
Tuesday, September 30

In observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day (Tuesday, September 30), the Assiniboine Park Conservancy will host a Sacred Fire in the Indigenous Peoples Garden at The Leaf to honour the resilience, strength, and bravery of the survivors of the Indian Residential School System.

Park visitors are encouraged to consider the importance of this day as an opportunity for our community to pause and reflect on the tragic legacy of Canada’s Indian Residential School System, the harms of the past and present, and how we can come together as a community to work toward a better future for all

Sacred Fire | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 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 here for a quiet moment of personal reflection. Indigenous educator Wayne Lalman will be interacting with visitors and sharing tobacco teachings.

Community Donations

In recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, we will also engage with visitors to support the important work of two Indigenous-led organizations through a minimum donation of $10,000 to be divided evenly between the Orange Shirt Society and Ka Ni Kanichihk – Those Who Lead.

The donation will consist of the following:

• 15% of sales earned from admissions at The Leaf and Assiniboine Park Zoo on Tuesday, September 30.
• 100% of orange lapel ribbon donations – On Tuesday, September 30, orange lapel ribbons 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 – Two styles of orange t-shirts will be available for purchase at Wild Things Unique Gifts. One features a custom design created by Paige Spence, an Indigenous woman who interned at the Assiniboine Park Conservancy (adult sizes $20). The other features a design by Dreamcatcher Promotions (youth sizes $15, adult sized $20). Located at the Zoo entrance at 2595 Roblin Boulevard, Wild Things is accessible with or without Zoo admission. While quantities last.

As a gesture of solidarity and empathy, all Assiniboine Park employees will be invited to wear orange shirts or lapel ribbons on Monday, September 29 and Tuesday, September 30.

All attractions will be open 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.