Walk for Truth and Reconciliation: September 30

Join the Kingston Native Centre and Language Nest, the City of Kingston, and members of the Walk for Truth and Reconciliation Working Group, Sherry Elliott and Patrick Brant, as we come together to recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day.

We invite the community to gather at McBurney Park (Skeleton Park) at 5:00 PM for opening words, with the walk beginning at 5:30 PM as we make our way to Confederation Park. Along the route, participants will share drumming and singing. All are welcome to bring their prayers, drums, voices, and regalia. The event concludes at 7:30 PM.

This community-led walk honours Survivors of residential schools, remembers the children who never returned home, and creates space for reflection, learning, and collective action toward reconciliation. We are grateful to Sherry and Patrick, whose dedication, leadership, and commitment have helped guide this Walk for many years and continue to inspire community participation today.

An Every Child Matters Kingston Transit bus will accompany the walk to support those with accessibility or mobility needs. Participants are welcome to ride the bus and take part alongside community. The bus will travel with the walk, remain downtown during the gathering, and return participants to Skeleton Park at 7:30 PM.

This year’s promotional materials feature artwork by Damian Bark, whose logo has become a meaningful symbol of the Walk and its message of remembrance and reconciliation.

This year’s orange shirts were designed by KNCLN youth, and proceeds from each purchase go directly back into supporting programming at the Centre. The shirts are made here in Kingston by Canadian Made Eh: visit canadianmadeeh.com and look for the Kingston Native Centre and Language Nest collection.