National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2026: Advancing Reconciliation Through Meaningful Engagement and Indigenous-Led Wellness (IRA1-E69)

Product code: IRA1-E69

Available Session

To register, you will be prompted to sign in.

September 29, 2026

Virtual

1:00 pm to 3:00 pm (ET)

Bilingual, with interpretation in both official languages

Closed captioning is provided for all events. Accommodation needs can be specified in a separate form after registration. For technical support or help registering for this event, please email:
events-evenements@csps-efpc.gc.ca

Overview

Delivery method

Delivery method

Online

Duration

Duration

2 hours

Audience

Audience

All public servants at all levels

 

Description

If you are not a federal public servant, please register here.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, observed every September 30th, is dedicated to honouring the Survivors of residential schools and their families, as well as acknowledging the lasting impact of the residential school system on Indigenous communities across Canada.

This event will explore how meaningful engagement, grounded in cultural safety and humility, is helping to address systemic barriers that have historically undermined well-being. The event will demonstrate how prioritizing respectful and culturally safe engagement creates the conditions for trust, strengthens relationships, and supports Indigenous perspectives on care, wellness, and self-determination.

Participants will learn about the importance of using culturally-safe engagement to build trust, foster reciprocal partnerships, and support Indigenous-led wellness initiatives as part of reconciliation efforts.

This event is proudly presented in partnership with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.

Content advisory

This event will include discussions that may address sensitive or emotionally difficult topics. If you are a Government of Canada employee, confidential support is available through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

For members of the public, immediate mental health support is available through the 988 Helpline (call or text 988, available 24/7 nationwide). Indigenous participants are encouraged to access the Hope for Wellness Helpline which offers culturally safe, 24/7 counselling and support: 1-855-242-3310.

Opening and closing remarks

  • Nathalie Laviades Jodouin, A/President, Canada School of Public Service

Elders

  • Verna McGregor, Anishinaabe Elder
  • Jackie Mason, Métis Elder
  • Nina Segalowitz, Inuk Elder & Artist

Speakers

  • Dr. Stanley Vollant, Medical advisor for the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Health and Social Services Commission (FNQLHSSC)
  • Braden Kadlun, author and advocate for Indigenous youth, sobriety, and mental health
  • Valerie Gideon, Deputy Minister, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
  • Michelle Kovacevic, Deputy Minister, Indigenous Services Canada
  • Mike Desgagné, Professor, Special Advisor to the Vice-President and Principal on Indigenous Initiatives, University of Toronto Scarborough
  • Kathy Pompana, Assistant Executive Director, Anish Healing Centre
  • Karl Coté, Director of Indigenous Relations, Pomerleau
  • Emmanuel Modozie, Director of Finance and Contracts, National Center for Truth and Reconciliation

Moderators

  • Kaila Johnston, Director of Education & Public Programming, National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
  • Sonia Fiset, Member of the W8banaki Nation of W8linak and founder of Wanaskamek

Artists

  • Grandmother Irene Compton & Cynthia John, Singing and Drumming Duo
  • Moe Clark, Multidisciplinary Artist
Date modified: 2025-07-22

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