Annual Events
National Day for Truth & Reconciliation (Sept 30)
Since 2013, Canada has recognized September 30 as Orange Shirt Day—a day to acknowledge the impacts of residential schools. In 2021, in the wake of locating unmarked graves at residential schools across Canada, the federal government passed legislation to also designate September 30 as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
> News Release - City to recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Sept 30, 2021) as Stat
Wearing orange on September 30 continues to be one way to honour residential school survivors, their families, and those who didn’t make it home.
Survivors' Flag Raising
Join us as we raise the Survivors’ Flag. The Flag is an expression of remembrance, meant to honour Residential School Survivors and all the lives and communities impacted by the residential school system in Canada. There will be speakers, both survivors and dignitaries chosen by the survivors.
As we get closer to September 30, many groups and organizations will host events around the city. Stay tuned for details and check out the September 2026 events:
- Wanuskewin National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Gathering - September 30 from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Wanuskewin will have presentations, community art sessions and speakers throughout the day. Visit their website for more information.
- The People’s Bridge Advocacy Sharing Circle- Sacred Voices: From Reflection to Responsibility and Action- September 26- 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The day will include cultural performances and drumming, guest speakers, guided table discussions with Indigenous educators and community members, and opportunities for meaningful conversation. Register for this event here.
- Remai Modern- September 26 - 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. -Screening of Honour to Senator Murray Sinclair. Free and open to the public. See the Remai Modern website for details.
- Saskatoon Tribal Council's Every Child Matters Powwow- September 29-30 - Grand entries will take place at 12:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. on both Tuesday, Sept. 29 and Wednesday, Sept. 30. Visit the Saskatoon Tribal Council's website for more details.
3rd Annual Orange Shirt Day Run/Walk- September 30- If you're a runner or walker and would like to participate in Orange Shirt Day with a run/walk to honour those who did not survive the residential school system, registration for this event is still open. This event aims to raise funds for the Orangeshirtday.org
Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21)
June 21 has been recognized annually as National Indigenous Peoples Day (formerly National Aboriginal Day) since 1996. For generations, many Indigenous communities have celebrated their culture and heritage on or near this day due to the significance of the Summer Solstice as the longest day of the year. This is a day to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding contributions of Indigenous people.
Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation
The City of Saskatoon, in its role as Co-Chair of Reconciliation Saskatoon, helps organize the annual Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation. The significance of a walk can be attributed to the Sunday walks in residential schools; often the only time when siblings and cousins might be reunited. Walkers are encouraged to wear an Every Child Matters orange shirt. Cultural performers from our community 'rock their roots' along the route to show their support and celebrate Saskatoon's incredible diversity.
2026 Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation
Friday, June 19, 2026
10:30 AM - Walk starts at Victoria Park
10:30-11:30 AM - Reconciliation Walk along the river
Noon- 2:30 p.m. Walk ends in Victoria Park at the Reconciliation Circle (near Lions skate park) and events take place throughout the afternoon until 2:30 p.m.
Volunteers are needed to help make this event happen! Please visit Reconciliation Saskatoon's website to sign up!
Red Dress Day (May 5)
Red Dress Day, observed on May 5, is Canada’s National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit people. It is a day to honour those who have been lost, to acknowledge the families and communities who continue to carry that loss, and to deepen awareness of the disproportionate violence Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit people have experienced—and continue to experience—across the country.
The day is inspired by The REDress Project, created by Métis artist Jamie Black. By placing empty red dresses in public spaces, the installation powerfully symbolizes the lives taken and the people who are missing. The dresses stand as a visual reminder of absence, resilience and the urgent need for awareness, understanding and action.
Red Dress Day invites reflection, learning and solidarity, and encourages us all to consider our shared role in supporting safety, respect and Reconciliation.
For 2026, the Saskatoon Police Service has taken the lead on organizing Red Dress Day activities, along with the following partners:
- The City of Saskatoon
- Métis Nation Saskatchewan
- Iskwewuk E-wichiwitochik - Women Walking Together
- Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. (CUMFI)
- Saskatoon Community Foundation
- Dakota Dunes Community Development
- Saskatoon Tribal Council
Please see below for a list of events taking place May 5, 2026:
Round Dance & Feast (March)
The City is thrilled to once again partner with community in offering the third City of Saskatoon Feast & Round Dance on March 27, 2026. A round dance is a traditional event in Indigenous culture that celebrates the unity of the community and its people. The theme for this event was miyo pimatisiwin or “the good life for all”. The event is open to everyone.
NEW!
The City's Indigenous Initiatives team has created their own informational video about the Round Dance and Feast.
Watch a short clip of last year's City Round Dance on Facebook. Or check out these helpful videos on round dances to learn more about round dances:
University of Alberta – Round Dance 101: What to Know Before Your First Dance
Regina Police Service Round Dance
Indigenous Veterans Day
November 8th is Indigenous Veterans Day, a day dedicated to honoring the contributions and sacrifices of Indigenous veterans. This day acknowledges the unique challenges and triumphs faced by Indigenous peoples in the military. Despite historical and ongoing systemic barriers, Indigenous veterans have served with distinction in various conflicts, from the First World War to present-day missions.
It is important to highlight the often-overlooked history of Indigenous military service. Many Indigenous veterans have not received the same level of recognition as non-Indigenous veterans, and this day helps to address that imbalance. By acknowledging their service, we can begin to rectify historical injustices and ensure that their stories are included broadly in Canadian military history.