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. The 90-minute LIVE program, 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 the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR).
With support from 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 and celebrate the strength and vitality of Indigenous Peoples and communities.
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. Following the multilingual live event, Remembering the Children will be rebroadcast on APTN and APTN Languages at various times and will be available for streaming on APTN+ beginning October 2.
Visit our show 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.”
— The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages
“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.”
— Stephanie Scott, Executive Director, National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
“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.”
— Marie-Philippe Bouchard, President and CEO, CBC/Radio-Canada
“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.”
— Monika Ille, CEO, APTN
24 HOURS of COMPELLING PROGRAMMING on APTN
While Remembering the Children takes centre stage in APTN’s NDTR programming, APTN will also offer a 24-hour lineup of thought-provoking series, dramas and documentaries exploring the legacy of residential schools and the ongoing journey towards reconciliation. The programming will be available on APTN, APTN Languages and APTN+.
Click HERE for details about APTN’s special programming on September 30.
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