Explainer: Engaging in National Day for Truth and Reconciliation this year

🔊 Listen to Post

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada is marked on Sept. 30 each year, and honours the children who never returned home from residential schools. The statutory holiday was created as an ode to the history and legacy of the Survivors after legislative amendments to Bill C-5. 

The day of remembrance aims to increase community engagement and reflection on the effects of the residential school system through participation in local events, having conversations with people in the community, and learning more about the history. Reconciliation involves understanding Indigenous history while ensuring respect, co-operation, and partnership. 

Orange Shirt Day, which takes place on the same day, is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day that aims to raise awareness about the intergenerational impacts of residential schools and promotes the concept of “Every Child Matters.” The day also symbolizes the deprivation of culture, freedom, and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children.

Several events are taking place throughout Metro Vancouver on Sept. 30 to commemorate the day. 

The Intergenerational March for Orange Shirt Day will take place at the University of British Columbia’s Vancouver campus on Sept. 30 from 12:00 to 3:00 pm and aims to be educational and supportive of the Indigenous community on and off campus.  

Several activities will take place at the Arts Umbrella on Granville Island including workshops and lectures with Indigenous artists. The events have pay-what-you-can admission with the suggestion of $5 for each activity, and $10 for bundled events. Those interested can sign up for their mailing list to receive more information about the event.  

The Nisga’a Ts’amiks Vancouver Society will honour the Survivors of the residential school system at the Trout Lake Community Centre in Vancouver starting at 1:00 pm. Volunteers can register at http://surl.li/letam.

Spirit of the Children Society will be hosting “Teaching Pow Wow” at the Westminster Pier Park in New Westminster from 12:00 to 4:00 pm. The event will include dancing, a marketplace with Indigenous vendors, food, drinks, and more.   

People can also participate in the Semiahmoo First Nation’s third annual walk for Truth and Reconciliation from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm in White Rock. The walk will be followed by several activities at Semiahmoo Park and will feature youth speakers, dancers, and an Indigenous artisan marketplace. Free orange shirts will also be given out to the first 100 youth at the venue. 

Non-Indigenous folks can show their support and engage in truth and reconciliation in various ways, including learning about Indigenous history and the residential school system through resources such as education guides, websites, documentaries, and books. 

On Sept. 29, Skookum Surrey will host an event in Holland Park to learn about Indigenous culture and reconciliation. The event will feature drumming, story sharing, teachings, and dancers. 

The Kwantlen Polytechnic University community comes together every year to raise the reconciliation flag at the Surrey campus courtyard to celebrate and recognize the resilience of Indigenous communities. The university’s faculty of arts is also celebrating the launch of the Indigenous Studies department on Sept. 28 from 12:00 to 3:00 pm in the Gathering Place, featuring lunch, Indigenous artists, performers, and vendors. 

The Gathering Place located in the Main building in Surrey campus invites students to engage in social and educational activities. Indigenous Student Services at KPU also provide a supportive and inclusive environment to students who need assistance.