Remembrance and Reflection: Honouring National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2024

As the leaves begin to turn and autumn arrives, it’s a time for reflection and learning. This year, on September 30th, we observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day dedicated to honouring Indigenous peoples, their stories, history and cultures. It’s also a chance for all of us to take steps toward reconciliation, both as individuals and as a community.

 

Resources to Support Your Learning Journey

Several organizations are offering resources to guide us through this important time:

  • CCDI’s 2024 Commemoration Guide: This guide (You must log into the CCDI Knowledge Repository to access the guide) provides thoughtful ways for individuals and organizations to observe this important date.
  • CCDI Webinar: Pathways towards Truth and Reconciliation on September 26, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. PT. This engaging panel conversation will discuss how workplaces across Canada can implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action, and create pathways towards truth, repair, respect and Indigenous inclusion.
  • Fraser Health Authority – Embracing truth: A 30-day journey towards reconciliation. This reflective 30-day learning journey is designed to be personalized, allowing individuals and teams to select the actions that resonate most. You are encouraged to create your own meaningful actions as well. Use this toolkit as a helpful guide to begin your path toward reconciliation.

 

Community Events in The Lower Mainland

This year, communities across the Lower Mainland of British Columbia are once again coming together to honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. There are various events being organized to create spaces for reflection, dialogue, and cultural celebration. These gatherings offer opportunities to learn from Indigenous perspectives, commemorate the legacy of residential schools, and actively participate in the journey of reconciliation. Below is a list of events taking place in BC to mark this important day while highlighting Indigenous voices.

 

Burnaby

  • Hope and Health Community Camp | September 21 | 10 am – 1 pm | Burnaby Lake Sports Complex West
    • A free soccer camp for children and youth on September 21. The event features soccer drills, cultural teachings, and activities, offering young participants an opportunity to engage with reconciliation.

 

  • Qwalena: The Wild Woman Who Steals Children | September 26 & 27 | 11 am or 7:30 pm
    • A powerful multimedia performance for audiences 13+. Using storytelling, humour, and cultural teachings, Indigenous storyteller Dallas Yellowfly highlights the lasting impact of the Indian Act and how Indigenous Peoples broke through the cycles of Residential Schools.

 

  • Burnaby City Hall Artworks Display | September 1-30
    • Throughout September, the exhibit at the City Hall reflects interconnectedness of residential schools, land, ecological health, and language, featuring a piece from Secwepemc artist Tania Willard’s Crazymaking series.

 

  • 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.

 

  • Learn to Bead: Orange Shirt Day | September 27 | 1 pm – 2:30 pm
    • The Orange Shirt Day is coming up! Join Sandra, a local indigenous community member with scoliosis and hearing disabilities to make a beaded keepsake honouring your learning and the day.

 

  • Fostering Economic Empowerment through Reconciliation | September 26 | 11:30 am – 2 pm
    • Join the panel discussion on Indigenous Procurement, where experts, entrepreneurs, and community leaders will share insights on increasing Indigenous involvement in procurement. The discussion will highlight challenges, opportunities, and strategies to support Indigenous economic empowerment and foster equitable, sustainable growth within Indigenous communities. This is a valuable opportunity to engage, learn, and collaborate to help advance Indigenous businesses and contribute to a more inclusive economy.

 

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.

 

  • ʔəm̓i ce:p xʷiwəl :Come Toward the Fire | September 14 | 12 pm – 7 pm
    • The festival features musical performances by Indigenous artists from across Turtle Island. It’s aiming to amplify Indigenous voices and their diverse talents.

 

North Vancouver

  • Nchem̓ús Day | September 19 | 4 pm – 8 pm
    • It’ll be a joyful day of connection with Indigenous Knowledge Keepers, Elders, artists, and storytellers. This free annual community event features artwork unveilings, a carving demonstration, traditional and untraditional storytelling, stand-up comedy, and an opportunity to experience the traditional Indigenous game of Slahal.

 

Coquitlam

  • Finding Your Voice | September 30 | 1 pm – 4:45 pm
    • Everyone participant will discover the beauty of individuality and how to spread kindness through artmaking. Indigenous artist Christine Mackenzie will share her personal experiences and the significance of Truth and Reconciliation as an Indigenous woman. Participants will explore various art mediums and create a small, mixed-media piece to take home, serving as a lasting reminder of the day’s reflections.

 

Surrey

    • Surrey Orange Shirt Day | September 27 | 3 pm – 5 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

    • Downstream Where the Waters Mix | September 30 | 10 am – 5 pm
      • New Westminster Museum is open on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to provide the community an opportunity to engage with their existing long-term gallery focuses on the white euro-Canadian experience. Presenting Indigenous histories, knowledge, and tradition.

 

    • Healing Through Understanding | September 30 | 12 pm – 4 pm
      • Join the community to honour the Orange Shirt Day of the year. Spend a day with Indigenous artists and enjoy their performance.

 

Maple Ridge

    • Acknowledging Indigenous Resilience | September 29 | 10 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

Building mutual understanding between Indigenous peoples and immigrants is key to creating a more inclusive and welcoming community. Burnaby Intercultural Planning Table reminds us of the importance of newcomers learning about Indigenous history, a positive Indigenous-immigrant relations and understanding must be considered an important characteristic of a welcoming community. And here are more programs that you can learn about positive indigenous-immigrant relations.

 

Further Learning Opportunities

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

We invite everyone to take part in this collective journey of learning and reflection. Whether you participate in community events, engage with these resources, or take time for personal reflection, your contributions matter. Let’s move forward together, with understanding and a commitment to meaningful reconciliation.