National Truth & Reconciliation Day

Every year on September 30, we observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day is dedicated to remembering the children who never made it home and honouring the survivors of residential schools, along with their families and communities.

There are many opportunities to learn, reflect, and pay tribute to our Indigenous neighbours on this important day of remembrance.

Wear an Orange Shirt. Understand the meaning behind wearing orange shirts in this video. If you plan to purchase an orange shirt, consider supporting an Indigenous-run organization or a trusted local organization that benefits local Indigenous artists, communities or nonprofits.

Attend a local event. There are many Indigenous-led and community-led events on Monday, September 30. Check out your local community centre or community organization to find more opportunities. See below for some wonderful options for your family to learn and reflect on our truth and reconciliation journey.

Learn. This National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, explore the rich and diverse cultures, voices, experiences and stories of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. Start your learning journey today.

Here are family-friendly Truth and Reconciliation events in BC:

1. We Were Children – Film Screening at Trout Lake Community Centre: A free screening of “We Were Children,” depicting the impact of the residential school system through the eyes of two children. Recommended for ages 16 and older due to disturbing content. This takes place on September 30 from 10:30 am to noon and 3:00 to 4:30 pm.
   
   
2. Orange Shirt Day: Sharing Community Voices Display at the Museum and Archives of North Vancouver: Reflect on Indigenous histories and cultures. Open until September 30, with free admission for Indigenous people.
   
   
3. National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in New Westminster: Held at the South Field near Queen’s Park Stadium, featuring speakers, food, dance, and crafts from noon to 3:30 pm on September 30.
   
   
4. Film Screenings at the Museum of Vancouver: Indigenous-directed films “WaaPake (Tomorrow)” and “Our People Will Be Healed” will be screened for free.
   
   
5. Finding Your Voice Workshop with Christine Mackenzie: A family-friendly workshop on kindness through art at Place des Arts in Coquitlam, with sessions at 1:00 pm, 2:20 pm, and 3:45 pm on September 30.
   
   
6. Noons Creek Hatchery in Port Moody: Includes speakers and an art booth on September 30, starting at 11 am.
   
   
7. National Day for Truth & Reconciliation at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler: This event includes various activities to honour residential school survivors.
   
   
8. Kelowna’s City Park will host an Orange Shirt Day march and gathering on September 30th. There will be guest speakers and activities to honour survivors and children affected by residential schools.
   
   
9. Truth and Reconciliation: (Un)learn with Kelowna Museums (Sept 30): A self-guided tour of the history and culture of the syilx people at Okanagan Heritage Museum. The event includes hands-on activities suitable for all ages, offering perspectives on the residential school experience in the Okanagan.
   
   
10. The City of Prince George is organizing a series of events, including a public gathering at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park on September 30. There will also be educational workshops, speakers, and art installations​ (City of Prince George).
    
    
11. The University of Victoria will host a community dialogue on Indigenous history, followed by cultural performances and an outdoor candlelight vigil at Centennial Square​.
    
    
12. Prince Rupert will have multiple events starting with free screenings of Bones of Crows and Healing Nation. On September 30, there’s a golf scramble and an evening hockey game to support the Indian Residential School Survivors Society​.
    
    
13. Prince George Walk for Reconciliation: This event offers community members a chance to come together in solidarity, remembering the children lost to residential schools and supporting survivors.
    
    
14. Kootenays (Nelson): The Nelson area will see community walks, healing circles, and storytelling events, including those led by local Indigenous Elders and residential school survivors, in recognition of the day​.

These events offer a range of experiences, such as film screenings, workshops, and cultural gatherings, happening on September 30 to engage meaningfully with Truth and Reconciliation.

– Thaisa Gorniak, Communications Manager

LDS is a community of dedicated professionals that write collaboratively. We recognize the contribution of unnamed team members for their wisdom and input.