National Day for Truth & Reconciliation with Grandmother Donna

Saturday, October 3, 2026, 1-4PM

Ages: Family Friendly

NOTE: Walk-ups welcome though registration is encouraged to help with planning. Please contact us if you have any questions.

National Day for Truth & Reconciliation with Grandmother Donna in Taiaiako’n-Parkdale-High Park

Join us in High Park for an afternoon of Indigenous teachings, reflection, and community in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Free and open to all.

This event is presented by the Taiaiako’n Historical Preservation Society and Grandmother Donna Powless, with support from the High Park Nature Centre and the Office of Karim Bardeesy, MP for Taiaiako’n–Parkdale–High Park.

Through teachings, storytelling, reflection, and community gathering, participants will have the opportunity to learn about Indigenous histories, cultures, stewardship, and the ongoing journey of reconciliation.

The event will be led by Grandmother Donna Powless, Director of the Taiaiako’n Historical Preservation Society of the Cayuga Six Nations and Elder of the Indigenous Land Stewardship Circle.

This is a free public event. Everyone is welcome. While registration helps organizers plan for attendance, walk-ins are welcome.  Registration is being handled by the Office of Karim Bardeesy on Eventbrite. 

What to Bring

  • Please dress for the weather in comfortable clothing and closed-toe footwear. 
  • Refillable water bottle
  • (Optional) A folding camp chair.  Limited seating available. 
 

Black Oak Trees Available to the Community

For those who are inspired and have space, there will be an Oak Tree giveaway (donations accepted to support the work of the Indigenous Land Stewardship Circle). Trees can be picked up during the NDTR event.  More details are in the request form linked below. 

Price: FREE
Ages: Family Friendly
Meeting Location: High Park Forest School, 375 Colborne Lodge Drive

Register Now
  • Day: Saturday, October 3, 2026
  • Time: 1-4PM


Please arrive on time.

This event will start at the High Park Forest School building located at 375 Colborne Lodge Drive.

We continue to recommend using the TTC or biking as the best way to get to High Park and the Nature Centre’s facilities.

Public Transit (TTC):
High Park Subway Station is the closest subway station to the High Park Forest School.

After exiting High Park Station through the High Park Avenue exit, walk south into High Park along Colborne Lodge Drive. The Forest School is the first building on your left, about 5 minutes from the subway station.

Please visit TTC’s website for route schedules, fares and passes, service advisories and alerts.

Cycling:
We have bike racks available at the High Park Forest School. Please bring your own bike locks.

There are also several Bike Share Toronto docking stations in and near High Park. Please visit Bike Share Toronto’s website for more information.

Driving:
A number of changes were made to the travel network within High Park as part of the High Park Movement Strategy that might influence your decision to drive to High Park.

  • Weekends: High Park is closed to cars on weekends. If your event is on a weekend, you will need to park outside the park and walk in, or take transit. On-street parking is available on Bloor Street West. Precise Parklink parking lots are available just north of Bloor Street West off Pacific Avenue. Green P parking lots are available at the Keele and Runnymede Subway Stations.

Visit our How To Get Here page to learn more about planning your trips to High Park.

General Admission:

  • FREE

This event is Family Friendly.

It’s important to come prepared for an outdoor event. High Park Nature Centre events will run rain, snow or shine. We recommend checking the forecast before your event and preparing accordingly.

Please wear weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable, closed-toe footwear.

Depending on the weather and your personal needs, some optional things you may also wish to bring:

  • Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
  • Insect repellent
  • A nut-free snack
  • A refillable water bottle

We try our best to accommodate accessibility needs on a case-by-case basis. Please reach out to us about any accessibility-related questions you might have as soon as possible.

  • Hike routes through High Park might include some uneven terrain and mild slopes.
  • The High Park Forest School building is not yet an AODA-compliant facility.

Dogs and other pets are not permitted in our programs. However, certified service animals, such as registered therapy or guide dogs, are welcome.

Register Now

Registration Policies

Please ensure you’ve read and understood our registration policies:
  • General Cancellation Policy
  • Extreme Weather-Related Cancellation Policy
  • Behaviour Policy
Read Our Registration Policies