National Truth & Reconciliation Day

On September 30, we honour the children who never returned home and survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. There are many ways to learn, reflect and honour our Indigenous neighbours during this national day of recognition.

Wear an Orange Shirt. Learn about why we wear orange shirts in this video. If you purchase an orange shirt, visit an Indigenous-run organization or a reputable local organization that is benefiting local Indigenous artists, communities or nonprofits.

Attend a local event. There are many Indigenous-led and community-led events on Saturday, 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. Here are some educational resources for you, your family and your classroom.

• National Film Board – Film and multimedia resources for classrooms, adult learning and more.
• The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Foundation is holding education events that you can learn more about and register for here: https://downiewenjack.ca/events/truth-and-reconciliation-week-2023.
• National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation archives are a great place to learn more: https://archives.nctr.ca/

Local Events

Arts Umbrella
Location: Granville Island
Date: September 30, 10am – 3pm
Cost: Pay-what-you-can
Join this family-friendly event with workshops and activities with Indigenous artists at Arts Umbrella on Granville Island. Learn more about the event here: https://www.artsumbrella.com/events/national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation-2023/.

Pilgrimage to Commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Organizer: Tsleil-Waututh Nation
Location: St. Thomas Aquinas Regional Secondary School (North Vancouver)
Date: September 30, 10am – 1pm
Cost: Free
The healing walk will take place from 10 am to 1 pm, and the public is invited to create a wall of protection and support by lining up on the sidewalks along Main St./Cotton Drive at Park and Tilford or 3rd Street W. from St. Andrews Ave. to Chesterfield Ave in North Vancouver.

Squamish Lil’Wat Cultural Centre: Free Admission
Location: Squamish Lil’Wat Cultural Centre (Whistler)
Date: September 30, 10am – 5pm
Cost: Free
Reflect on our history. Connect to the land. The day will be filled with programming throughout the Great Hall, Theatre, Galleries, and the Mezzanine patio. Learn more here: www.slcc.ca/ndtr-at-the-slcc. 

Semiahmoo First Nation’s 3rd Annual Walk for Truth & Reconciliation
Location: White Rock
Date: September 30, 11am – 2pm
Cost: Free
Join Semiahmoo First Nation for the 3rd annual Walk for Truth & Reconciliation, beginning near Grand Chief Bernard Robert Charles Plaza and ending at Semiahmoo Park, where there will be programming and activities. Learn more here: https://www.whiterockcity.ca/calendar.aspx?PREVIEW=YES&EID=3478.

Orange Shirt Day at Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House
Location: 2131 Renfrew Street, East Vancouver
Date: September 28, 3pm – 6pm
Cost: Free
Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House hosts a day of Indigenous speakers, drummers, and storytellers sharing their stories through speech and art. Visitors can engage with healing medicines, smudging practices, and contributing to a community banner, which will be carried on September 30 on a march for Truth and Reconciliation. Learn more here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/neighbourhood-food-week-orange-shirt-day-frog-hollow-neighbourhood-house-tickets-714795712217?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&keep_tld=1.

Image Source: The flag image above is currently raised on Parliament Hill in honour of residential school survivors. Learn more: https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/flag-raised-on-parliament-hill-to-honour-residential-school-survivors/.

– Sara Jane R. Walker, Senior Manager, Communications

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