Community Invited to Truth and Reconciliation Events

Cobourg, ON (September 18, 2026) – The Town of Cobourg invites community members to participate in upcoming events to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, 2026.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a time to reflect on the history of Indigenous people, remember the thousands of children that attended harmful residential schools, and understand how we as allies can help create a better future.

Cobourg residents are encouraged to take the extra step on this very important day to do their part in reconciliation by educating themselves on the history of the land we live on. The public are invited to participate in the following events:

Film Screening: Indian Horse
Date: Wednesday, September 30, 2026 | Times: 2:30 and 7 p.m.
Location: Citizen’s Forum at Victoria Hall, 55 King Street West, Cobourg

The Town of Cobourg invites the community to a special screening of the 2017 film Indian Horse. An adaptation of Ojibway writer Richard Wagamese's award-winning novel, the film follows Saul Indian Horse, an Ojibway boy, who is torn from his family and committed to a residential school in the 1950s. At the school, Saul is denied the freedom to speak his language or embrace his heritage and is a witness to abuse by the people sworn to protect him. But Saul finds salvation in the unlikeliest of places—the rink. His incredible hockey talents lead him away from the school to bigger and better opportunities, but no matter how far Saul goes, the ghosts of his past are always close behind.

Admission is free and open to the public.

Content warning: Indian Horse contains mature themes and depictions related to the experiences of Indigenous children and families in Canada’s residential school system. The film includes references to and portrayals of racism, colonialism, family separation, cultural suppression, abuse, neglect, grief and trauma. It aims to reveal a painful history, but it can be distressing or triggering for some viewers. Be mindful of your feelings when watching and reach out for help if needed. The Hope for Wellness Helpline offers immediate help to all Indigenous people across Canada: 1-855-242-3310. Rating: 14+ 

Waterfront Wisdom Pathway
The Waterfront Wisdom Pathway is a collection of 26 banners created by local Indigenous artists Rick Beaver and Koren Smoke of Alderville First Nation.

The banners, displayed on the lampposts along the Cobourg waterfront, bring vibrant expressions of storytelling and tradition reminding us of our deep connections to the land. The artists intentionally chose the harbourfront location, reflecting the cultural and spiritual significance of water in Indigenous life. Take a walk along the shoreline and explore the stories behind each piece, available at www.ExperienceCobourg.ca/waterfrontwisdompathway

The Town of Cobourg is pleased to share that the Waterfront Wisdom Pathway has been nominated for the Creative City Network of Canada Impact Awards in the IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility) Award category. This recognition is a wonderful reflection of the collaboration, care and commitment that went into bringing this special project to life, and the meaningful relationships and community impact it has created along the way.

While visiting the Waterfront Wisdom Pathway, visitors may notice two orange Adirondack chairs featuring written reflections shared by community members during past National Day for Truth and Reconciliation commemorations. Visitors are encouraged to take a moment to read the reflections, pause, and consider what Truth and Reconciliation means to them.

Alderville Every Child Matters Walk
On September 30, join Alderville First Nation for the Every Child Matters Walk beginning at Alderville Health and Social Services (AHSS) (8467 County Road 45, Roseneath), meeting at 10:45 a.m. with the walk starting at 11 a.m.

Participants will walk north to the Alderville First Nation Community Centre (8913 County Road 45, Roseneath) with a bus provided to return to the AHSS building. The walk is open to everyone to honour and raise awareness to what Orange Shirt Day represents while encouraging Canadians to answer the Calls to Action for Truth and Reconciliation. Guests are encouraged to wear an orange shirt.

Flags at Half Mast
Flags across the Town of Cobourg will be at half-mast on Wednesday, September 30.

In 2023, Cobourg Municipal Council passed a resolution to permanently display the “Every Child Matters” flag on the flagpole in Rotary Harbourfront Park. The flag permanently flies not only as a commemoration but also a commitment to remembering Indigenous lives that were tragically lost within the residential school system which spanned over 150 years, with the nearest such institution to Cobourg being situated in the Alderville First Nations Reserve.

Victoria Hall Lit Orange
Victoria Hall will be lit orange on September 30 in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Cobourg Public Library
The Cobourg Public Library is recognizing Indigenous voices and stories through a variety of book displays throughout the library. The Library has also introduced a new orange feather sticker, which is placed on materials written by Indigenous authors to help readers discover and explore these works.