Truth and Reconciliation Week 2025

Every Child Matters with two white feathers on orange background National Truth and Reconciliation Week is September 22 – 26, 2025 - a five day journey of learning, reflection and action. Orangeville Public Library commits to listening to, learning from, and building relationships with local Indigenous communities. We have a responsibility to share the true history of what happened at Indian residential schools and the ongoing intergenerational trauma that continues to affect Indigenous families and communities.

Orangeville Public Library will be open on Tuesday, September 30, and we encourage our community to spend the day reflecting on the devastating legacy of residential schools. OPL’s collections, programs, and resources can support you on this journey.

Local Events

Below are events throughout the community that may be of interest.

Story Sharing Circle: Tuesday, September 22, 7 p.m., Mill Library

Join community champion Farzaneh Peterson and our Program and Research Coordinator, Shannon McGrady as we recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with a story sharing circle. Participants are invited to read a book(s) by an Indigenous author of their choosing throughout the month of September and then join in circle with others as we share what we learned and the impact it had on our journey of learning the truths.

Please register to reserve your spot.

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation - Lunch and Learns

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation is introducing a series of free virtual adult education lunch and learns during Truth and Reconciliation Week (Sept. 22 - 26). Led by Survivors and other subject matter experts, these sessions will feature discussions around the history of the residential school experience, intergenerational impacts, Indigenous rights, taking action towards Reconciliation, and more.
Register to participate.

Support is available for anyone affected by residential schools through the 24-hour National Indian Residential School Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419.

Can Canada Move Toward Reconciliation? Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at Grace Tipling Hall in Shelburne from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.

Join Dufferin County this October for a free event in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day.

In collaboration with the Equity Events Working Group, Dufferin County is hosting Community Conversations: Can Canada Move Towards Reconciliation on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at Grace Tipling Hall in Shelburne from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.

Community members are invited to join speaker Tanya Talaga, an award-winning Anishinaabe journalist and author, who will walk through Canadian history, via an Indigenous lens, and explain how we arrived here and what we can do to achieve a more equitable future for all.

Registration is required for the event. Register here.

Author Talk: Bomgiizhik Isaac Murdoch Wednesday, October 29, 7 p.m., Mill Library

oin esteemed knowledge keeper and storyteller Bomgiizhik Isaac Murdoch, as he launches a new book of Anishiinabe traditional stories for all ages - The Power of the Little People.

Isaac Murdoch is a renowned indigenous artist and activist who shares the wisdom and culture of First Nations through powerful storytelling. Serpent River First Nation Isaac Murdoch is celebrated for his unwavering dedication to social justice, environmental conservation, and the preservation of First Nations culture and wisdom. With his exceptional ability to captivate audiences through his immersive experience style, unforgettable stories and passionate words of wisdom, Isaac has earned recognition throughout Turtle Island. Apart from his speaking engagements, Isaac is also a world-renowned artist, signer and songwriter, educator, and consultant.

Please register in advance. Light refreshments included.