September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
It’s a day to remember and honour the children who never made it home from residential schools, as well as the survivors, their families, and their communities. Many of us wear orange shirts to show that Every Child Matters and to recognize the culture, freedom, and identity that was taken from Indigenous children.
This day reminds us of the injustices Indigenous Peoples have faced and the lasting impact residential schools continue to have. It’s also a call for all of us to pause, learn, and take action toward reconciliation.
Reconciliation isn’t something we recognize just once a year. It’s part of our ongoing work as a government. Through initiatives like the Indigenous Learning Initiative, more than 21,000 public servants have taken steps to better understand Indigenous histories and perspectives.
The government of Alberta supports Indigenous communities through programs such as the Community Support Fund, the Aboriginal Business Investment Fund, the Indigenous Reconciliation Initiative, and the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation. These programs help advance community priorities, support Indigenous-led solutions, and create opportunities for economic growth and well-being.
Across education, health, and justice, we continue to work with Indigenous partners to build respectful, long-term relationships and agreements that reflect shared goals.
Reconciliation is not just about one day—it’s about an ongoing commitment to truth, healing, and working together for a more just and inclusive future.