Acknowledging the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Each year, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.

This federal statutory holiday was created through legislative amendments made by Parliament. Both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day take place on September 30.

Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day intended to raise awareness of the individual, family and community inter-generational impacts of residential schools, and to promote the concept of “Every Child Matters”. The orange shirt is a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations.
On September 30, we encourage all Canadians to wear orange to honour the thousands of Survivors of residential schools.
For more information, visit https://www.canada.ca/.../national-day-truth...

Local Events:

Truth and Reconciliation Day Mawio’mi, September 30, 11a.m. – 4 p.m.

As a community, the Town of Bridgewater invites you to join us as we gather with members of Wasoqopa'q First Nation for their 2026 Truth and Reconciliation Day Mawio’mi taking place at the Hank Snow Home Town Museum grounds in Liverpool. The event will open with a prayer, an honour song, greetings, stories, and cultural sharing, and be followed by presentations from singers, drummers, dancers, knowledge sharers as well as activities, and community celebrations. Everyone is welcomed.
On behalf of our community, we have extended support to the event and have arranged for accessible transportation through Lunenburg County Wheels to help community members from Bridgewater attend the event. Please reach out to us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to reserve a space for free transportation to and from the event. Spaces are limited and available on a first come first served basis The deadline to sign up for free transportation is this Thursday, September 24. Departure/return times and location will be confirmed with participants.

Mi’kmaq History Month at the DesBrisay Museum

Explore, discover and reflect on the rich history and culture of the Mi’kmaq people here in our community along the edge of Pijinuiskaq (LaHave River) in Mi’kma’ki. Among the many exhibits is the world-famous, historic Mi’kmaw hooded porcupine quill cradle. Created in 1868 by renowned Mi'kmaw artist Christianne Morris, this masterpiece is widely recognized as the largest surviving piece of Mi'kmaw quillwork in existence. The Museum is open Tuesday – Saturday, 1pm – 5pm, closed September 30.
We invite you to learn more about Mi’kmaw History Month at https://mikmaqhistorymonth.ca/
South Shore Public Libraries Truth and Reconciliation Events:

Reconciliation Reads on September 26, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Participants will discuss 52 Ways to Reconcile by David A. Robertson and contribute their own learnings and actions to ReconciliACTION posters. This event is also taking place in other locations around the South Shore: Chester at 10am, Greenfield at 10am, Lunenburg at10:30am and Liverpool at 2pm.

Every Child Matters Story Time is taking place at the Margaret Hennigar Public Library in Bridgewater on September 29, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

This will be a special story time program recognizing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and honouring the experiences of residential school survivors.

Our friends at South Shore Public Libraries also have some great suggestions for further reading on Truth and Reconciliation, including titles such as:

• 52 Ways to Reconcile by David A Robertson
• The Reconciliation Manifesto by Arthur Manuel
• 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act by Bob Joseph

Service Notes for September 30:

The Town of Bridgewater’s public offices, including Town Hall, will be closed to the public on Tuesday, September 30.

Bridgewater Transit will run reduced hours from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Waste collection will take place as usual.