Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools
September 30 is our National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools.
It’s only two days away!
How will you spend it?
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CONGREGATIONAL RESOURCES
ELCA’S TRUTH SEEKING AND TRUTH-TELLING INITIATIVE ON INDIAN BOARDING SCHOOLS RESOURCES FOR EDUCATION & WORSHIP
~including:
- everything on the current Resources page
- an excellent introductory slide set and accompanying ‘script’ for use in in-person or online forums;
- all-ages reading guides;
- shareable Facebook/instagram stories for the days leading up to and including September 30;
- bulletin inserts;
- and more
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COMMUNITY EVENTS
Create an event in your community with NABS’s Toolkit.
OR
Attend and/or bring friends, family, congregation members to any of a number of events:
SUGARCANE DOCUMENTARY VIEWING
Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Circle Pines, MN
Tuesday, September 29, 2026 – 6:30-8:00 PM
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NATIONAL DAY OF REMEMBRANCE FOR INDIAN BOARDING SCHOOLS EVENTS
NATIONAL NATIVE AMERICAN BOARDING SCHOOL HEALING COALITION (NABS) has numerous events planned. Find their full list here.
Highlights include:
- Medicine Ball Film Screening & Panel Discussion
- 12:30-3:00 PM
- Advanced Registration RequireD
- Community Candlelight Vigil & Remembrance Walk
- 6:00 PM
- All are welcome
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
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ORANGE SHIRT DAY PRAYER WALL: REMEMBRANCE
REMEMBER. REFLECT. HEAL.
Stop by All Nations Church throughout the day as we remember and honor the children, families, and generations affected by Indian boarding schools.
Pick up a remembrance button to wear and tie a ribbon butterfly on the Community Prayer Wall in honor of a child, family, survivor, ancestor, or all those impacted.
Everyone is welcome.
Wednesday, September 30, 2026 / 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
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SUGARCANE DOCUMENTARY SHOWING
Join All Nations Church for a public screening of Sugarcane, an award-winning documentary that investigates the abuse and disappearance of Indigenous children at at Catholic-run Indian residential school in Canada. Told in part through the epericnes of survivors and their families, the film explores the lasting impact of the residential school system while following a community seeking truth, accountability, and healing.
The screening is open to the public. Come as you are. This is a space for Native community, neighbors, friends, and all who wish to remember, learn, and be together.
Wednesday, September 30, 2026 / 6:00 – 8:00 PM
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ENGAGING IN THE WORK OF REPAIR
The National Day of Remembrance is a day to remember and honor those who attended Indian Boarding Schools, to tell the truth about t his shivery and how it continues to impact Native communities today. Many boarding schools were supported and run by Christian denominations and churches. As we remember this legacy, Christians have a responsibility to engage in the work of truth telling.
Join a presentation by Rev. Canon Debbie Royals (Pascua Yaqui) followed by a panel discussion with Vance Blackfox (Cherokee), Director of Ecumenical and Tribal Relations of the Indigenous Theological Circle, Rev. Dr. Allen Buck (Cherokee), Director of the United Methodists’ Circle of Indigenous Ministries in the Northwest, and Pearl Chanar (Alaska Native), co-chair of the Episcopal Church’s Truth, Justice & Healing on Native Boarding Schools Commission.
Co-sponsored by the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery, Episcopal Divinity School, Diocese of AZ / Council for Native Ministries, and the Truth, Justice and Healing Commission of the Episcopal Church.
Wednesday, September 30, 2026 / 6:30 PM CT
