2024 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30)Join in with Your Community!During the month of September, events are taking place throughout Canada in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR) and Orange Shirt Day on September 30. Here are some of the opportunities in BC for connection, reflection and learning about Canada’s residential school system and its impacts. About Orange Shirt DayWearing an orange shirt on September 30 is a good way to acknowledge the harmful legacy of residential schools on Indigenous children, their families and their communities. The story behind Orange Shirt Day comes from Phyllis Webstad who has shared her experience as a child on her first day at a residential school. Another way to show support is to contribute to Indigenous-led programs and initiatives, including by checking that you purchase your shirt from an Indigenous organization. Consider supporting the Orange Shirt Society and/or making a financial contribution to the work of the Indian Residential Schools Survivors Society. NATIONAL DAY FOR TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION EVENTSCheck out these and other events via online community calendars and the Province of BC’s event listing (PDF). You and your family will be most welcome to join in! APTN on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (TV)On September 30, the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) will broadcast special programs, including a live event in honour of the survivors of residential schools, their families and the children who were never able to return home. A series and documentaries will delve into the diverse culture and history of Indigenous Peoples. National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Prince George)September 30, 2024| 2:00 - 4:00 pm Wear your orange shirt or regalia to walk the path of healing and reconciliation together. Lheidli T'enneh will be hosting a public ceremony at Lheidli T'enneh Memorial Park and encourages everyone to attend this important event. There will also be a private healing gathering for all Survivors, inter-generational Survivors and their families, with a keynote from Madelaine McCallum and a presentation by the Indian Residential School Survivors Society. We Were Children — Film Screening (Vancouver)September 30, 2024 | 10:30 am – 4:30 pm The Trout Lake Community Centre will feature a screening of the documentary “We Were Children,” which delves into the experiences of Indigenous children in Canada’s residential school system. The film, directed by Tim Wolochatiuk, combines personal testimonies with the trauma and resilience of survivors. The screening aims to educate the public about this dark chapter in Canadian history and foster a deeper understanding of its lasting impact on Indigenous communities. The event includes a discussion session to engage the audience in meaningful dialogue about reconciliation and healing. Create and Connect: Truth and Reconciliation Day at MONOVA (North Vancouver)September 30, 2024 | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm The “Create and Connect: Truth and Reconciliation Day” event at MONOVA offers a full day of free programming for families to gather, reflect and learn together. Activities include gallery tours, reading children’s stories exploring the history of residential schools, oral storytelling sessions of Coast Salish and Indigenous legends, and games on the themes of Indigenous rights in Canada. Visitors can also engage in self-guided activities and contribute messages of hope and reconciliation to a community display. Truth and Reconciliation Day: NFB Film Screenings (Vancouver)September 30, 2024 The Museum of Vancouver, in partnership with the National Film Board, is hosting film screenings by Indigenous directors on September 30 for Truth and Reconciliation Day. The films focus on the healing and resilience of Indigenous communities, featuring works such as Dr. Jules Arita Koostachin’s documentary on residential school Survivors and Alanis Obomsawin’s film about a Cree community’s educational achievements. Admission is by donation, with proceeds going to the Indian Residential Schools Survivors Society. Both the museum and screenings are free for those who self-identify as Indigenous. 215+ Memorial Garden Vigil (Vancouver)September 30, 2024 | 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm The 215+ Memorial Garden Vigil will take place on Monday, September 30, 2024, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Beaconsfield Park in Vancouver. Hosted by the Indigenous Women Rise Society, this public event aims to honour the children who never returned home, and the survivors affected by the residential school systems. Attendees are encouraged to bring friends and family, dress warmly and participate in activities such as cedar brushing, prayers, drumming and smudging. The event is supported by several partners, including NWIC, UBCIC, VATJS, Salal, and REFBC. Film Screening of Wilfred Buck with Director Lisa Jackson (Richmond)September 26 | 6:15 pm – 8:30 pm The Richmond Art Gallery is hosting a free screening of the award-winning documentary “Wilfred Buck” at the Richmond Cultural Centre Performance Hall. Directed by Lisa Jackson, the film explores the life and teachings of Cree Elder Wilfred Buck, blending present-day scenes with cinematic re-enactments and archival footage. Orange Shirt Day 2024 (Surrey)September 27, 2024 | 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm Hosted by the Surrey Urban Indigenous Leadership Committee (SUILC) and Skookum Surrey, the event aims to honour survivors of the residential school system and remember those who did not return. Attendees will experience traditional drumming, Indigenous dancing and locally prepared Bannock and tea. The event will also foster dialogue and learning about BC’s colonial history and its ongoing impact on Indigenous communities. Semiahmoo First Nation’s 4th Annual Walk for Truth & Reconciliation (White Rock)September 30, 2024 | 11:00 am – 2:00 pm The 4th Annual Walk for Truth and Reconciliation will take place on September 30, 2024, from 11 am to 2 pm at the Grand Chief Bernard Robert Charles Memorial Plaza on White Rock’s east beach. This free community event, organized by the Semiahmoo First Nation with support from local organizations, aims to promote healing and understanding. The event will feature keynote speaker Grand Chief Steven Point, musical performances by Indigenous artists, an artist market, exhibitions and a complimentary lunch. The theme this year is “Why Reconciliation Now?” T-shirts supporting the cause will be available for purchase at the event and prior (Sept 27/28) at the White Rock Community Centre. National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (New Westminster)September 30, 2024 | 12:00 pm – 3:30 pm Organized by the Spirit of the Children Society, this event aims to honour and remember the experiences of Indigenous peoples, particularly those affected by residential schools. Stetís ímexstowx | Walk Beside Us (Abbotsford)September 30, 2024 | 10:00 am - 3:00 pm This public event creates a space for learning and understanding about Truth and Reconciliation, as well as the history of Residential Schools through diverse activities throughout the day, including story walks, Luminous Waters performance, drumming and sharing by knowledge keeper on plant medicine.
Chilliwack Market – Truth and Reconciliation Day (Chilliwack)September 29, 2024 | 10:00 am – 2:00 pm The market will host a BBQ Fundraiser on Truth and Reconciliation Day. All proceeds from the event will go to the Chilliwack Free Store, a local initiative that supplies food security to First Nations communities in their area. 'Wenacw Squalutkalh' or 'We Speak the Truth' (Lillooet)September 30, 2024 | 8:00 am - 6:00 pm The Lillooet Tribal Council and St’at’imc Health Outreach Services, in collaboration with various community partners, are organizing a gathering called “Wenacw Squalutkalh” or “We Speak the Truth” at the Lillooet Rec Centre on National Truth and Reconciliation Day, September 30. This event, which marks the first step towards reconciliation, will feature a ceremony, a community march, lunch, a facilitated session with Norm Leech and open time for community members to share their truths and stories. Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (Squamish)September 30, 2024 | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm On September 30, the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) will host a day of reflection, stories, learning and contemplation in honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The event will feature immersive programming, storytelling, guest speakers, cultural sharing, artist demonstrations, crafts, First Nations-inspired cuisine and handcrafted art in the Gallery and Gift Shop. By participating, you support the SLCC’s mission to share meaningful experiences, to educate, and to uplift the Skwxwú7mesh and Líl̓wat7úl cultures. The SLCC is a non-profit with 90% Indigenous staff, and proceeds benefit training and revitalization programs. National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Commemoration (Squamish)September 30, 2024 | 12:30 – 4:00 pm The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation commemoration in Squamish will take place on September 30 from 12:30 pm to 4:00 pm, starting at Winnipeg Street and Cleveland Avenue. The event, hosted by the Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw, invites the community to honour and remember residential school survivors and those who did not return home. It also celebrates the resilience of Indigenous people and ancestral teachings. Everyone is welcome to join in this important day of reflection and respect. SLCC Welcomes Guests to Commemorate National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Whistler)September 30, 2024 | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm The day will feature free admission and a variety of activities, including guest speakers, cultural sharing, artist demonstrations and immersive crafts. Visitors can also enjoy First Nations-inspired cuisine at the Thunderbird Café and explore handcrafted art and keepsakes in the Gallery and Gift Shop. The event aims to honor the living culture of the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations and reflect on the history and legacy of residential schools. National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – A day to honour, understand, and heal (Langley)September 28, 2024 | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm The event will feature a presentation by Len Pierre from Len Pierre Consulting, an Indigenous Leadership, Innovation, & Transformation Consulting Group. Attendees can also explore the Métis Nation BC exhibit, watch Indigenous films and create Orange Shirt Day buttons. National Day of Truth and Reconciliation 2024 (Maple Ridge)September 29, 2024 | 10:00 am – 3:00 pm The PLEA Community Services Society of BC is hosting a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation event on Sunday, September 29, 2024, at Memorial Peace Park in Maple Ridge from 10 am to 3 pm. The theme is “Acknowledging Indigenous Resilience,” and the event is organized by local groups, including Katzie First Nation and the Fraser River Indigenous Society. The event will feature an opening march, Indigenous guest speakers, cultural performances, a motivational speaker and various activities such as orange shirt painting and community art creation. Over 50 vendors and artisans will also participate. This free event is supported by sponsors, including RBC and the City of Maple Ridge. National Day of Truth and Reconciliation (District of Taylor)September 28, 2024 | 5:00 pm – 7:00pm The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation events in the Peace Region, organized by local First Nation communities, will feature a variety of activities to honour the victims and survivors of the residential school system. These events include a pipe ceremony, feast and dance at Taylor Hall on September 28, and a full day of activities at Fort Nelson First Nation on September 30, such as prayers, speeches, a walk and community engagement activities. Additionally, Saulteau First Nations will host an evening walk and feast to commemorate the day, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and connection between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. South Island Powwow (Victoria)Royal Athletic Park, Victoria The South Island Powwow will take place on September 30, 2024, at Royal Athletic Park in Victoria, BC. Gates open at 10 am, with the Grand Entry at 12 noon. This event, held on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, has free admission and welcomes everyone. It is a chance to honour Survivors and their families through traditional Indigenous song and dance, celebrating culture and resilience. Truth and Reconciliation: A Celebration of Indigenous Textile Arts (Victoria)September 30, 2024 | 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm The Truth and Reconciliation event, hosted by Support Network for Indigenous Women and Women of Colour aims to bring the community together for an evening of education, remembrance and healing. The event will feature the sacred Indigenous practice of Ribbon Skirt making, testimonies from residential school survivors, and speeches from Indigenous speakers and community elders. This gathering highlights the ongoing impact of Canadian history on Indigenous communities and emphasizes the importance of continuing the conversation for healing and reconciliation. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided. Honouring the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (District of Sooke)September 30, 2024 | 11:00 am – 1:00 pm This event aims to reflect on the history and ongoing impact of residential schools, promoting healing, understanding, and unity within the community. Attendees will have opportunities for reflection and dialogue, acknowledging the injustices faced by Indigenous Peoples and supporting the collective journey toward a future grounded in respect and understanding. A Day to ListenSeptember 30, 2024 | 6:00 am - 6:00 pm “A Day to Listen” is an annual event held on September 30 by the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund to honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The event features a 12-hour broadcast from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm local time, partnering with major media outlets and radio stations across Canada to amplify Indigenous voices. It aims to celebrate Indigenous identity and culture through conversations, music and stories, promoting awareness and understanding of Indigenous issues and the ongoing journey towards reconciliation. The 3 Ears Indigenous Film Festival (Powell River)September 29 – October 3, 2024 The 3 Ears Indigenous Film Festival, hosted by the qathet Film Society, will take place from September 29 to October 3, 2024 at the Patricia Theatre. This inaugural festival honours Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The festival’s name is inspired by Jody Wilson-Raybould’s book, which emphasizes the importance of listening with “three ears” — two on our head and one in our heart. The event will feature a variety of films, including documentaries and dramas, with special guests and Q&A sessions to foster deeper understanding and dialogue. Kym Gouchie Concert and Rise Up Indigenous Wellness Fundraiser (Salmon Arm)September 29, 2024 | 7:30 – 10:00 pm Kym Gouchie Concert and Rise Up Indigenous Wellness Fundraiser: This concert will be held at Song Sparrow Hall in Salmon Arm. Lheidli T’enneh artist Kym Gouchie will perform, and the event will raise funds for Rise Up Indigenous Wellness, a non-profit organization supporting Indigenous children, youth and families. Truth and Reconciliation Event (Williams Lake)September 27, 2024 | 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm This event is hosted by Denesiqi Services Society and the Tŝilhqot’in National Government to observe and acknowledge Truth and Reconciliation Day. All are welcome to attend.
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