National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Every year on September 30, Canadians mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR) — a day dedicated to remembering the children who never came home from residential schools, honouring survivors, and reflecting on how reconciliation must continue in our country.
Origins and Meaning
The NDTR was established as a federal statutory holiday in 2021, following the discovery of unmarked graves at former residential school sites and decades of advocacy from Indigenous communities. Its creation also fulfills Call to Action #80 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC), which called for a day of commemoration.
The date of September 30 was chosen because it coincides with Orange Shirt Day, an Indigenous-led initiative started in 2013 by Phyllis Webstad. As a child entering a residential school, her new orange shirt was taken away on her first day — the shirt has since become a powerful symbol of the loss of culture, identity, and childhood experienced by thousands of Indigenous children.
Purpose
This day serves several important roles:
- Commemoration – acknowledging the tragic history and legacy of the residential school system.
- Recognition – honouring the resilience of survivors, their families, and communities.
- Education – encouraging Canadians to learn about Indigenous history, residential schools, and the ongoing effects of colonization.
- Action – reminding us that reconciliation is not a single event but a long-term commitment.
How It’s Marked
While the NDTR is a federal statutory holiday, provinces and territories vary in how (or if) they recognize it as an official holiday. Across Canada, it is observed in different ways:
- People wear orange shirts with the message “Every Child Matters” to show solidarity.
- Indigenous communities and organizations lead ceremonies, commemorations, and cultural events.
- Schools and institutions dedicate time to teaching about Indigenous history and reconciliation.
- Social media and public spaces amplify the stories of survivors and the calls of Indigenous leaders.
Why It Matters
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is not simply a day off. It is a national opportunity to face the truths of our past and to take steps toward building a more just future. Recognizing this day ensures that the painful legacy of residential schools is not forgotten, and that survivors’ voices remain central to Canada’s path forward.
References
Orange Shirt Society. Orange Shirt Day. orangeshirtday.org
Government of Canada. National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. canada.ca
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. Calls to Action. trc.ca
The Canadian Encyclopedia. Residential Schools in Canada. thecanadianencyclopedia.ca
Written with the help of ChatGPT
Life Without Religion – Online
Thursday, September 4
First Thursday of every month at 7:00 pm MDT
Live Without Religion (LWR) is a peer support group for people whose lives have been negatively impacted by religion. Nearly anyone who has left a fundamentalist or high-control religion can tell you that it leaves not only scars but sometimes open wounds. Nothing helps with the healing better than sharing your experience and discussing how to heal with others who have had a similar experience. That mutual support is what we find in LWR meetings. If you want to learn more about LWR, contact Lois at loislwr@gmail.com.
Coffee Chat Online
Monday, September 8
First Monday of every month at 1:00 pm MDT
Our Coffee Chat is an enjoyable, unstructured afternoon conversation. Anyone can introduce an idea or ask a question, and the group will jump in and discuss it. You never know where the conversation will go, but it is always interesting and sometimes even educational. Join us and add your two-cents-worth.
Go to our Meetup page to register and get the Zoom link.
Book Club
Thursday, September 11
Second Thursday of every month at 7:00 pm MDT
This month, the Book Club will be discussing the book The Science of Weird Shit: Why Our Minds Conjure the Paranormal, by Chris French.
Head over to our Meetup page to register and get the Zoom link.
Outdoor Pickleball
Saturday, September 13, 9:00 am MDT
Curious about pickleball but haven’t tried it yet? Here’s your chance – we will have extra paddles for those who don’t have one. Or enjoy it and want to play outdoors on some beautiful courts? They are located at the site of the old Volleydome south of U of C in the Foothills Athletic Park.
Cost is $4, which allows us to book courts ahead of time and gives us 2 hours to play (9 am to 11 am). Parking beside the courts is free. Please bring extra paddles if you have them.
Go to our Meetup Page for more details.
Life Without Religion – Online
Tuesday, September 16
Third Tuesday of every month at 7:00 pm MDT
Live Without Religion (LWR) is a peer support group for people whose lives have been negatively impacted by religion. Nearly anyone who has left a fundamentalist or high-control religion can tell you that it leaves not only scars but sometimes open wounds. Nothing helps with the healing better than sharing your experience and discussing how to heal with others who have had a similar experience. That mutual support is what we find in LWR meetings. If you want to learn more about LWR, contact Lois at loislwr@gmail.com.
Monthly Board Meeting
Thursday, September 18
Third Thursday of the month at 5:30 pm MDT
The Board of RMA meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month. Meetings are open to all, but only Board members can vote.
Check out our Meetup page for the link and other details.
Skeptics in the Pub
Friday, September 19
Third Friday of the month at 7:00 pm MDT
Come to the pub, meet like-minded people and have thought-provoking discussions, along with a drink and some food.
The Unicorn (Calgarys Superpub), 223 8 Ave SW · Calgary, AB
You can register on our Meetup Page to get updates.
Movie Night
Monday, September 22
Fourth Monday of every month at 7:00 pm MDT
This month’s movie will be announced soon.
Head over to our Meetup Page, to register, get updates and the Zoom link.
WeCanReason Webinar
Wednesday, September 27
Fourth Wednesday of every month at 7:00 pm MDT
Strategies for Solving Mysteries with Kenny Biddle
“Strategies for Solving Mysteries” delves into a few of the investigative techniques Kenny Biddle uses while researching/investigating claims and also spends some time talking about “Trained Observers” and the weight of their testimony concerning strange experiences.
“Over the years of investigating alleged paranormal claims, I’ve put together an ever-growing series of strategies that have helped me research extraordinary claims and, in many cases, solve them. From asking clarifying questions to breaking down eyewitness accounts (and why we must still fact-check them) – we’ll go through a few of these strategies: explaining what they mean, how they apply to an investigation, and I’ll cite some examples of how they solved the case.”
Head over to our Meetup Page to register and get the Zoom link.
Pub Night With Live Music
Friday, September 26
Presenting Calgary’s favourite cover band, Oddly Familiar
Join us at The Rec Room with the RMA house band, Oddly Familiar (formerly The Heathens)! Enjoy drinks, snacks, and great conversation while listening to your favourite musical sing-alongs from the 70s, 80s, 90s, and beyond!
From classic top 40 hits to memorable one-hit wonders, Oddly Familiar will deliver a fun performance full of nostalgia, sing-alongs, and music that makes you want to groove.
Family Friendly! No Cover Charge!
The Rec Room, 1180-901 64ave NE · Calgary, AB
See more of Oddly Familiar on their website: https://www.oddlyfamiliar.ca/
Head over to our Meetup Page for more details.
Outdoor Pickleball
Saturday, September 27, 9:00 am MDT
Curious about pickleball but haven’t tried it yet? Here’s your chance – we will have extra paddles for those who don’t have one. Or enjoy it and want to play outdoors on some beautiful courts? They are located at the site of the old Volleydome south of U of C in the Foothills Athletic Park.
Cost is $4, which allows us to book courts ahead of time and gives us 2 hours to play (9 am to 11 am). Parking beside the courts is free. Please bring extra paddles if you have them.
Go to our Meetup Page for more details.
Blood Donor Clinic
Saturday, September 27
We are donating blood at the new Canadian Blood Services Clinic (100-207 9th Ave SW). Participants need to be at the clinic at 11 am. After the donations then we will go for lunch at Bottlescrew Bill’s Pub (140 10 Ave SW).
We have reserved spaces at the blood clinic, so please only RSVP if you are committed to attending.
Go to our Meetup page to register and get more details.
All details of our events can be found on our Meetup Page at https://www.meetup.com/rockymountainatheists/events/.