Huntsville, September 30, 2025
News Summary
Huntsville will host a special event on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with activities including a documentary screening, musical performances, and a community march. The gathering aims to honor the history and impact of residential schools in Canada while fostering healing and reconciliation. Attendees can enjoy a documentary titled “The Apology” and live music by JUNO-nominated fiddler Brianna Lizotte. The day will also feature an Orange Shirt Day march and a month-long exhibit showcasing student creations.
Huntsville to Celebrate National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The community in Huntsville is set to honor National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30 with a special event at Canvas Brewing Company, starting at 6:30 PM. This free and family-friendly gathering will feature a documentary screening and a musical performance aimed at acknowledging the history and ongoing impact of residential schools in Canada.
The highlight of the evening will be the screening of “The Apology,” a documentary that covers the 2022 Indigenous delegation’s visit to the Vatican. Scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM, the film is part of a two-part series produced by Indigenous Geographic and provides insight into Pope Francis’s apology regarding the Catholic Church’s role in these schools. Filmmaker Matt LeMay will be present to share his reflections and engage with attendees following the screening.
Following the documentary, attendees can enjoy a performance by Brianna Lizotte, a JUNO-nominated Métis fiddler. Lizotte’s latest album, “Winston & I,” has received a JUNO nomination for Traditional Indigenous Artist or Group of the Year, adding another layer of celebration to this important evening for the community.
Additional Activities on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
In addition to the evening events, Huntsville will mark its 5th annual Orange Shirt Day with activities throughout the day. A march will begin at River Mill Park at 10:45 AM and culminate at 11:45 AM. Residents are encouraged to wear orange shirts to demonstrate their support for survivors of residential schools and to honor the children who never returned.
Preceding the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Town of Huntsville, in collaboration with the Hope Arises Project, will raise the Survivors’ Flag on September 22 in Civic Square. This event will serve as a significant marker for Truth and Reconciliation Week.
Additionally, a month-long ribbon skirt installation titled “Sacred Strength” is being showcased as part of the celebrations. This exhibit features creations from students and emphasizes the importance of promoting reconciliation within the community. The free exhibit will run until September 30.
Background Context
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, established in 2021, recognizes the tragic legacy of residential schools in Canada and encourages reflection on the past while supporting a path for healing and reconciliation. The observance aims to foster understanding and awareness of the experiences of survivors and their families, calling upon all Canadians to engage in this essential conversation.
With events such as documentary screenings and community marches, initiatives across various cities strive to honor the significant histories tied to Indigenous communities and to promote healing through educational opportunities and collective remembrance.
Events Summary
| Event | Date & Time | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orange Shirt Day March | September 30, 10:45 AM | River Mill Park | March to honor survivors of residential schools |
| Documentary Screening: “The Apology” | September 30, 7:00 PM | Canvas Brewing Company | A film about Pope Francis’s apology |
| Musical Performance by Brianna Lizotte | Following the documentary | Canvas Brewing Company | Live performance by the JUNO-nominated fiddler |
| Survivors’ Flag Raising | September 22 | Civic Square | Marking Truth and Reconciliation Week |
| Sacred Strength Exhibit | Until September 30 | Part of the community celebrations | Showcasing ribbon skirts made by students |
FAQ Section
What is the date and time of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation event in Huntsville?
The event is on September 30 and starts at 6:30 PM.
Where will the documentary screening and musical performance take place?
The events will take place at Canvas Brewing Company.
What documentary will be screened during the event?
The documentary titled “The Apology,” which discusses the 2022 Indigenous delegation to the Vatican, will be screened.
Who will attend the documentary screening event?
Filmmaker Matt LeMay will be present to share reflections and engage with the audience.
What is Orange Shirt Day and when is it being observed in Huntsville?
Orange Shirt Day honors survivors of residential schools and is observed on September 30 with a march starting at River Mill Park at 10:45 AM.
What is the duration of the “Sacred Strength” exhibit?
The free exhibit will run until September 30.
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Additional Resources
- Muskoka Radio: Huntsville Festival to Mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
- Orillia Matters: Ribbon Skirt Display in Huntsville
- Muskoka Radio: Huntsville to Commemorate National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
- Wikipedia: Orange Shirt Day
- The Hamilton Spectator: Woman Dead, Three Injured in Huntsville Crash
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
