Edmontonians come together to honour Survivors at Orange Shirt Day Run and Walk |
September 25, 2026
The sixth annual Orange Shirt Day Run and Walk returns to Kinsmen Park on Sunday, September 27, bringing people together through movement, ceremony, remembrance and learning.
Organized by the Indigenous Runners Alliance and supported by the City of Edmonton, the community-led event honours residential school Survivors and children who never returned home, creating space for healing and connection ahead of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30.
“Reconciliation is an ongoing journey, and events like RunConciliAction Orange Shirt Run and Walk help us take meaningful steps forward together,” said Anita Cardinal, founder, Indigenous Runners Alliance. “We want to bring hope, inspiration and endless encouragement to our communities to continue their running journey to practice Miyo-pimâtisiwin, ‘living the good life.’ We believe running is healing; running is ceremony; and, running is medicine.”
“Movement is medicine. Running creates space for healing, ceremony and connection,” said Elder Lance Scout, Indigenous Runners Alliance. “Each medal begins with intention. I paint every one by hand using the four sacred colours, and our leadership and team come together to carefully assemble each piece. Many hands come together to create them, and that carries its own meaning. These medals are not only something participants take home. They are something to carry forward, a reminder of our Treaty relationship, of the children who never returned home and of the Survivors we continue to honour.”
“Reconciliation asks more of us than remembrance. It asks us to understand the truth of residential schools, recognize that their impacts continue to be felt by survivors, families and communities and carry what we learn into the relationships we build today,” said Mayor Andrew Knack. “The Orange Shirt Day Run and Walk gives Edmontonians a meaningful way to show up. I encourage people across our city to join Indigenous Runners Alliance on September 27, honour survivors and the children who never returned home, and walk or run together as we continue this work.”
Participants can choose a 2.15 km, 5 km or 10 km route through Edmonton’s River Valley. The 2.15 km route is intended to welcome Elders and children and carries special significance in honouring the children who never returned home from residential schools.
Indigenous Runners Alliance aims to make the event as accessible as possible by reducing financial barriers to participation. Registration fees vary by distance and help cover the costs of delivering the event. The event also raises funds for community organizations and supports efforts to promote Indigenous athletes. Registration spaces are available for Elders, youth and others who may face financial barriers to participating. Full registration details are available through the Indigenous Runners Alliance. |
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