Flags will be lowered to half-mast and several Indigenous-led events will be held to encourage dialogue about residential schools.

Schools and non-essential government services in Manitoba are closing on September 30 for the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

“Reflecting on our tragic history by recognizing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation provides an opportunity for Manitobans to learn about the ongoing legacy of residential schools.  This shared understanding of our history is essential to reconciliation," Indigenous Reconciliation and Northern Relations Minister Alan Lagimodiere says in a statement.

The minister is encouraging reflections and conversations about residential schools and their impacts.

"We all have a role to play in reconciliation. We can all listen, learn, and support the healing needed to address the intergenerational trauma caused by the residential school system."

September is set to see Indigenous-led events, supported by the government. In the statement, Lagamodiere says it will be "an important opportunity to advance reconciliation and to listen and learn about Indigenous stories and experiences."

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is highlighted as one of the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions' 94 Calls to Action

The House of Commons, in June, announced the national day was unanimously voted in favour of. Provincial governments in Alberta and Saskatchewan say they would not be observing the day. Alberta's government says they do not want people to use the day as a day off. Saskatchewan says it is a legislative issue.

Federal employees and employees of federally regulated businesses will also observe the day.