On September 30, APTN, CBC/Radio-Canada and the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) are once again partnering to produce Remembering the Children: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the annual national commemorative gathering. This 90-minute live program will be broadcast from Parliament Hill in Ottawa, on the traditional and unceded territory of the Anishinabe Algonquin Nation. The event will bring together esteemed Elders, residential school Survivors, Indigenous leaders and acclaimed First Nations, Inuit and Métis artists to mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR).
With support from the Department of Canadian Heritage, the fifth annual live commemoration will serve as a gathering place to honour Survivors, amplify their voices and foster hope for reconciliation. Through sacred ceremonies and performances by Tia Wood, Soleil Launière, Silla and Adrian Sutherland, the program will recognize the enduring spirit of Indigenous Peoples and communities and celebrate their strength and vitality.
NDTR is foremost a time to remember the children who never returned home from residential schools. On this day, we collectively honour their lives, stand alongside the Survivors, and reaffirm that their experiences as children have not been forgotten. Together, we pay homage to the families, communities and all those affected by Canada’s church-run residential school system.
Broadcast live from Parliament Hill at 12 p.m. ET on September 30, Remembering the Children acknowledges this painful chapter in Canadian history while creating space for reflection, education and healing.
APTN, CBC/Radio-Canada and NCTR invite the public to attend this special gathering on Parliament Hill. Guests and participants are encouraged to bring a pair of children’s shoes to place at the front of the stage in honour of the Indigenous children who never returned home.
Audiences from coast to coast to coast can join this commemoration thanks to a live feed made available to broadcasters across the country. Last year’s broadcast reached audiences via 32 television stations and networks, more than 150 radio stations, as well as extensive online distribution.
Visit this page for more details about the live national broadcast, available languages, broadcast times and participating networks.
“The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an opportunity for non-Indigenous people to come together with Indigenous Peoples, honour Survivors and remember the children who never came home. It is a day to reflect on the strength and resilience of Indigenous Peoples and the work that remains on the path of reconciliation. Reconciliation is a responsibility we all share, and by connecting with each other and our history, we can help build a future grounded in understanding, respect and hope.”
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“Remembering the Children is not just an act of reflection—it is the renewal of a sacred promise. On this day, we gather to honour every child taken by the residential school system and to stand in solidarity with those who survived it. As denialist voices seek to distort the past, our collective responsibility to uphold the truth is more important than ever. Honouring these children means facing our history with unwavering honesty and ensuring that ‘Never Again’ is not just a phrase, but a binding commitment backed by meaningful action.”
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“Remembering the Children unites us by listening and reflecting on the cruel truths of the residential school system, to better understand their repercussions, still felt today. It is about remembering the children who never came home, honouring Survivors, and walking together toward healing. This annual broadcast, in partnership with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation and APTN, embodies our commitment to reflect, respect and amplify Indigenous voices and perspectives.”
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“Remembering the Children is a sacred space for Survivors to be heard and their stories honoured. I encourage everyone across Canada to listen, learn and reflect on the legacy of residential schools. APTN is proud to provide a platform for Indigenous voices, and this annual live broadcast reflects that commitment.”
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BEYOND SEPTEMBER 30
As we remember the children on September 30, we also recognize that this day is a call to walk the path of reconciliation year-round. Visit the NCTR’s website to find a variety of educational resources and tools to support learning and reconciliation beyond September 30.
About the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) is a place of learning and dialogue where the truths of the residential school experience will be honoured and kept safe for future generations. The NCTR was created as part of the mandate of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC). The TRC was charged to listen to Survivors, their families, communities and others affected by the residential school system and educate Canadians about their experiences. The resulting collection of statements, documents, and other materials now forms the sacred heart of the NCTR.
About CBC/Radio-Canada
CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada's national public broadcaster. Through our mandate to inform, enlighten and entertain, we play a central role in strengthening Canadian culture. As Canada's trusted news source, we offer a uniquely Canadian perspective on news, current affairs and world affairs. Our distinctively homegrown entertainment and sports programming draws audiences from across the country. Deeply rooted in communities, CBC/Radio-Canada offers diverse content in English, French and eight Indigenous languages: Dëne Sųłıné, Dene Kǝdǝ́, Dene Zhatıé, Eastern Cree, Dinjii Zhuʼ Ginjik, Inuktitut, Inuvialuktun and Tłı̨chǫ. We also deliver content in Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Punjabi and Tagalog, as well as both official languages, through Radio Canada International (RCI). We are leading the transformation to meet the needs of Canadians in a digital world.
About APTN
APTN, launched in 1999, is the first national Indigenous broadcaster in the world. The network is a global leader in programming that celebrates the rich diversity of Indigenous Peoples at home and abroad. A respected non-profit media company, APTN inspires audiences by sharing bold and authentic stories. APTN’s programming is available across multiple platforms: APTN (English and French channel), APTN Languages (Indigenous language channel), APTN+ (streaming service), APTN Beyond (FAST channel) and the APTN YouTube channel.
