Huntsville, September 28, 2025
News Summary
The Huntsville community will gather to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with a family-friendly event featuring a documentary screening and musical performance. Attendees can look forward to a screening of ‘The Apology’ and a performance by JUNO-nominated Métis fiddler Brianna Lizotte. The event will also include a march to honor survivors of the residential school system, encouraging participants to wear orange as a symbol of remembrance.
Huntsville Community Event to Honor National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, 2025
The Huntsville community is set to come together on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation through a free, family-friendly gathering at Canvas Brewing Company, located at 12 John Street. Doors will open at 6:30 PM, with the evening’s screening starting at 7:00 PM.
This significant event will feature a special screening of the documentary “The Apology” by Indigenous Geographic, which highlights the Indigenous delegation’s visit to the Vatican in 2022 that resulted in Pope Francis’s historic apology regarding residential schools. In attendance will be filmmaker Matt LeMay, who will share his insights on the film.
Following the documentary, attendees can look forward to a performance by JUNO-nominated Métis fiddler Brianna Lizotte. Lizotte’s music honors the traditions of her Métis family and community and has received international acclaim, including a performance for Pope Francis during the 2022 Vatican event. Her recent album, “Winston & I”, released in July 2024, earned her a JUNO nomination for Traditional Indigenous Artist or Group of the Year.
The community is also invited to participate in various activities leading up to the main event. The Survivors’ Flag will be raised in Huntsville on September 22 at noon and will remain until September 30 to honor survivors and remember those lost to the residential school system.
On that day, a March commemorating Orange Shirt Day will begin at 10:45 AM at River Mill Park and will return for a closing ceremony at 11:45 AM. The ceremony will include special guest speaker remarks. Participants are encouraged to wear orange to signify support for survivors and remembrance of the children who never returned home.
The week leading up to September 30 is recognized as Truth and Reconciliation Week, as designated by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. This week aims to raise awareness of the tragic history and the healing journeys of residential school survivors.
Joyce Jonathan Crone, founder of the Hope Arises Project, led the Survivors’ Flag raising and continues to advocate for education and reconciliation efforts within the community. Huntsville Mayor Nancy Alcock attended the flag raising to express support for community initiatives aimed at understanding and respecting Indigenous history.
Event Details
- Date: September 30, 2025
- Location: Canvas Brewing Company, 12 John Street, Huntsville
- Time: 6:30 PM doors open, 7:00 PM screening starts
- Featured Documentary: “The Apology” by Indigenous Geographic
- Musical Performance: Brianna Lizotte
- March Start: 10:45 AM, River Mill Park
- Closing Ceremony: 11:45 AM
- Community Significance: Wear orange to honor survivors
Background Context
Orange Shirt Day is a significant observance that acknowledges the tragic history of residential schools in Canada and honors the children who were lost and those who survived. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is part of a broader effort to foster understanding and healing within communities affected by this painful legacy. The inclusion of community events, such as this one in Huntsville, aims to promote stories, music, and shared experiences that contribute to reconciliation efforts.
FAQ
What is the date of the community event?
The event is scheduled for Tuesday, September 30, 2025.
What time will the event start?
Doors will open at 6:30 PM, and the screening starts at 7:00 PM.
Where is the event being hosted?
The event is hosted at Canvas Brewing Company, located at 12 John Street, Huntsville.
What documentary will be screened at the event?
The evening will feature a special screening of “The Apology”, a documentary by Indigenous Geographic.
Who will be performing after the documentary?
There will be a performance by JUNO-nominated Métis fiddler Brianna Lizotte.
What is the significance of wearing orange on September 30?
The community is encouraged to wear orange on September 30 to honor survivors and remember the children lost to residential schools.
Event Overview Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | September 30, 2025 |
| Location | Canvas Brewing Company, 12 John Street, Huntsville |
| Time | 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM |
| Documentary | “The Apology” by Indigenous Geographic |
| Performers | Brianna Lizotte (JUNO-nominated Métis fiddler) |
| Community Activity | Wear orange to honor survivors |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Muskoka Radio: Town of Huntsville Raises Survivors’ Flag
- My Muskoka Now: Huntsville to Host Orange Shirt Day March on Sept 30
- Orillia Matters: Ribbon Skirt Display in Huntsville
- Wikipedia: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Truth and Reconciliation Commission
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.
