Walking together: Honouring the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 18

Whitby, Ontario – On September 18, 2026, the Region of Durham is hosting a walk in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. 

Event details:  

• Date: September 18, 2026  
• Time: 10 a.m. to noon  
• Location: Durham Region Headquarters (HQ), 605 Rossland Road East, Whitby 

The event will begin with participants gathering at the south entrance of HQ (off Garden Street) at 10 a.m. to honour those impacted by the residential school system with stories, drumming and cultural practice.  

The walk then departs from the Pathway to Reconciliation Crosswalk, near the south entrance of HQ, continuing along Rossland Road to Fallingbrook Park at the intersection of Rossland Road and Anderson Street. We will pause at the park for reflection before returning to HQ. 

A Durham Region Transit bus will support the walk, featuring artwork from Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation artists Jon Colwell, Sharifah Marsden and Luke Swinson to honour Orange Shirt Day and the Every Child Matters movement. 

Who: This free event is open to the public and is being planned by the Region of Durham’s Indigenous Relations team and the Region’s Indigenous Relations Community of Practice. 

Why: The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation honours those affected by residential schools - the children who never returned home, survivors, and their families and communities who continue to be affected by these tragedies. This is a time to reflect on our role in supporting healing, while committing to meaningful actions in truth and reconciliation. 

How to participate: To learn more and register, visit durham.ca/reconciliation. If possible, wear an orange shirt and remember to bring your water bottle.   

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For media inquiries, please contact Corporate Communications.