What’s open, what’s closed, what’s up in Winnipeg on National Day of Truth and Reconciliation Sept. 30, 2026

The National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, also referred to as Orange Shirt Day in Manitoba, pays tribute to residential school survivors and their families. This day aims to publically commemorate the enduring, painful impact of residential schools, which are a part of Canada's colonial legacy. The inaugural payment for a year-long subscription to the event is $205.00 plus GST.

Following this, the annual fee will increase to $233.00 plus GST every 52 weeks—representing a 10% discount off the regular annual price of $259.35. Subscribers can cancel their subscription at any time. The event was officially recognized as a federal statutory holiday in 2021, and provincially in 2023. However, the Free Press will not publish a print or e-edition on Wednesday, September 30. Instead, readers can access the latest news and information on the website.

There are various events and activities planned to commemorate the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation in Winnipeg. The Southern Chiefs Organization's sixth annual Orange Shirt Day Healing Walk and Powwow begins at 9:30 a.m. at The Forks Oodena Circle, followed by a march to the Canada Life Centre.

The Manitoba Museum offers special programming about Indian Residential Schools with free admission between September 30 and October 2. The Winnipeg Police Service will host a Truth and Reconciliation ceremony on Sunday afternoon. Civic, provincial, and federal offices will be closed on this day, and mail delivery will not take place.

Canada Post offices will be closed, but private sector post offices will operate according to their regular hours. Cemeteries are open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., with the Brookside cemetery administration office closed. Winnipeg Transit will operate on a Sunday schedule on September 30. Recycling and garbage collection will proceed as usual, with the Brady Road landfill open from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., the 4R Winnipeg depot open from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., and the Pacific 4R depot open to residential customers only from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Panet depot will be closed.

City of Winnipeg arenas, leisure centres, and pools will be closed, while major movie theatres will remain open. The Assiniboine Park Zoo will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the Leaf will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (with final entry at 8 p.m.). The Canadian Museum for Human Rights will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering free admission.

The Manitoba Children’s Museum will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., featuring their regular events. The Manitoba Museum will open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., showcasing their upcoming exhibits and events. The Winnipeg Art Gallery-Qaumajuq will be open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., displaying their current exhibitions.