As autumn unfolds, it offers us a moment to pause, reflect, and learn. On September 30, 2025, we mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a time to honour Indigenous peoples — their histories, cultures, and stories. It is also an opportunity for each of us, and our communities, to walk further along the path of reconciliation.

Resources to Support Your Learning Journey

Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI) offers a couple of resources to help guide reflection and action:

  • 2025 Guided Learning Journey: This guided learning journey offers a hands-on and immersive approach to engaging with the legacy of residential schools and the broader movement to return Indigenous lands and decision-making to Indigenous communities.
  • Truth and Reconciliation Day Educational Resources: A thoughtfully curated guide with history, reflective practices, and actionable steps for individuals, teams, and organizations. It’s a valuable tool for centering Indigenous voices and moving from awareness toward meaningful action.

Community Events in The Lower Mainland and Across BC

As a multi-regional service provider, posAbilities supports inclusion across BC, primarily on the ancestral, unceded and treatied lands of Coast Salish and Interior Salish Peoples. In this province, settlement took place on the traditional territories of all 202 First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples. We would like to direct our readers to a handy resource maintained by the Government of BC, featuring opportunities to learn, gather or connect in-person or on-line in dozens of communities. Click here to learn more, or check out your local news sources for up to date happenings!

These events  create space for reflection, dialogue, and cultural celebration. These gatherings invite us to learn from Indigenous perspectives, remember the legacy of residential schools, and take part in the ongoing journey of reconciliation. We have selected a few opportunities in the communities where our community inclusion, employment, explore, housing and outreach programs are located, to supplement the listing above.

Burnaby 

Burnaby City Hall Artworks Display | Until October 3

Explore artworks by Indigenous artists from the City of Burnaby Permanent Art Collection. These artworks explore the realities and impacts of residential schools on Indigenous peoples, alongside depictions of Indigenous resurgence that has survived despite colonial harm.

City Hall Lighting Up in Orange | September 30

The Burnaby City Hall will be illuminated in orange to honour the children who never returned home from Residential Schools, as well as the survivors, their families, and communities. This act tried to raise awareness of the profound impact of Residential Schools in Canada.

Walking Together: Truth & Reconciliation Day at BVM | September 30 | 11 am – 3 pm

Join the Burnaby Village Museum this Truth and Reconciliation Day for a series of engaging workshops led by the Indigenous team, focusing on Indigenous knowledge and reconciliation. Sessions include Coast Salish language learning, a collaborative weaving workshop with host nation weaver Rita Kompst, a myth-busting discussions on colonization and Indigenous rights and an introductory discussion on Indigenous Residential Schools. Between workshops, enjoy activities like nature talks, a documentary screening, pin-making and an interactive timeline walk.

Vancouver

Intergenerational March at UBC | September 30 | 11:45 am – 3 pm

This intergenerational march is designed to be both educational and supportive, offering a space for Indigenous communities on campus and the communities around. Younger participants will connect with the land’s original inhabitants and continue meaningful conversations about this challenging chapter in Canada’s history.

North Vancouver

Truth & Reconciliation Day: Museum of North Vancouver | Tuesday 30 | 11 am – 4:30 pm

Through orange rock decorating, keychain making, a specially-created scavenger hunt and more, learn about the history of Indigenous rights, the significance of Orange Shirt Day, and participate in local Coast Salish culture sharing including storytelling, drumming, and singing.

Coquitlam

Empowering Voices through Art| September 30 | 1 pm – 2:30 pm

Join First Nations artists, Christine Mackenzie and Nova Weipert, for a free, public community event on National Truth and Reconciliation Day. Christine Mackenzie is an Indigenous artist, facilitator, speaker and curator, while Nova Weipert is a transgender Two-Spirited Anishinaabe Ojibwe interdisciplinary artist, writer, director, educator and storyteller. Together, they will share their personal stories, reflect on their journeys, and showcase their unique artforms. Learn how to use different art mediums and create a small art piece to take home as a reminder of the event.

Surrey

Surrey Orange Shirt Day | September 29 | 4 pm – 6 pm

Reflect your Orange Shirt Day and honour the survivors of the Residential School System, their families and to remember those who did not return. Hosted by the Surrey Urban Indigenous Leadership Committee (SUILC) & Skookum Surrey, the event will foster dialogue and learning about BC’s colonial history and how it continues to impact.

New Westminster

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation | September 30 | 12 pm – 5 pm

Join in honouring the Survivors of the Residential School system, remember the children who never returned home, and stand with families and communities who continue to feel the intergenerational impacts of colonial policies.

Maple Ridge

Walking Together: A journey of Unity and Healing | September 28 | 9:30 am – 3 pm

Spend your day with PLEA Community Services, Katzie First Nation and Fraser River Indigenous Society for the Orange Shirt Day. It features an opening march, Indigenous speakers and artists while celebrating Indigenous resilience and community connection.

Fostering Understanding: Indigenous-Immigrant Relations

Meaningful reconciliation also involves building bridges between Indigenous peoples and immigrant communities. One essential step is encouraging newcomers to engage with Indigenous history, perspectives, and ongoing efforts toward justice and equity within their new communities. The Burnaby Intercultural Planning Table, meets regularly and provides a conduit to learning and sharing cultures across borders. Learn more about their work here: www.bipt.ca, and attend a special event to connect and grow your circle.

Additional Learning Opportunities

There are many resources available to deepen your knowledge and continue your journey toward reconciliation:

We invite you to join this shared journey of learning and reflection. Whether through community events, personal study, or quiet moments of remembrance, every action contributes to reconciliation. Together, we can move forward with respect, understanding, and a commitment to meaningful reconciliation.