There are a number of events taking place on the statutory holiday that offer a chance to learn about the history of residential schools and what’s being done today
Truth and Reconciliation Day takes place on Sept. 30, 2024.
The day is an occasion to recognize and remember Indigenous children and families who have been impacted by residential schools. There are a number of events taking place on the statutory holiday that offer a chance to learn about the history of residential schools and what’s being done today.
Here are some of the ways you can learn about and mark Truth and Reconciliation Day around Metro Vancouver:
Vancouver Aquarium’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Programming
Sept. 30, all day
Vancouver Aquarium (845 Avison Way)
The Vancouver Aquarium will host a dedicated day of events to mark Truth and Reconciliation Day. The program includes a special welcome ceremony and moment of silence at 10:30 a.m., storytelling and craft sessions with Squamish Nation author Lisa Lewis and an opportunity to hear from Squamish Nation elder Bob Baker, who is a residential school survivor.
Bannock, a traditional Indigenous food, will also be available outside the Courtyard Cafe.
Finding Your Voice Art Workshop
Sept. 30 at 1, 2:20 and 3:45 p.m.
Place Des Arts (1120 Brunette Ave., Coquitlam)
Coquitlam’s Place Des Arts will host Finding Your Voice, an art workshop led by Indigenous artist, facilitator and speaker Christine Mackenzie. Use different art mediums to create a mixed media art piece while learning from Mackenzie the history of and importance of truth and reconciliation.
Museum of Vancouver NFB Film Screenings
Sept. 30 at 10:30 a.m.
Museum of Vancouver (1100 Chestnut St.)
The Museum of Vancouver in partnership with the National Film Board will host a pair of screenings in honour of Truth and Reconciliation Day. “WaaPake (Tomorrow)” and “Our People Will Be Healed” both examine the residual effects of residential schools and path toward healing for the Indigenous community. Both films will be preceded by the short film “Orange Shirt Day is Every Day.”
Admission to the MOV is by donation, with proceeds going to the Indian Residential Schools Survivors Society. It isn’t required to donate to join the programming or visit the galleries. Admission is free for those who self-identify as Indigenous.
National Day for Truth & Reconciliation at MONOVA
Sept. 30 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Museum & Archives of North Vancouver (115 West Esplanade)
The Museum & Archives of North Vancouver will host a full day of events and activities “designed to inspire reflection and meaningful dialogue for guests of all ages.” Visitors can learn about Coast Salish history through a gallery scavenger hunt, paint rocks for reconciliation (2 p.m.), bead orange shirts and learn more about the impact of policies such as the Indian Act and more. A number of educational films will be screened, while bannock and tea will be available.
National Day for Truth & Reconciliation at Memorial Peace Park
Sept. 29 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Memorial Peace Park (Maple Ridge)
A community event hosted by the Katzie First Nation, Fraser River Indigenous Society, B.C. Spokes and PLEA Community Services will take place at Maple Ridge’s Memorial Peace Park on Sept. 29. The event will feature cultural presentations and guest speakers, including dancers, drummers and artists, vendors and artisans, and more.
Orange Shirt Day at Holland Park
Sept. 27 from 3 to 5 p.m.
Holland Park (13428 Old Yale Rd., Surrey)
Surrey will honour truth and reconciliation with the annual Orange Shirt Day Drum March beginning at 2:30 p.m. and ending at Holland Park, where Indigenous leaders will share compelling stories, while dancers and drummers will perform. Guests will be invited to enjoy bannock and tea.
We Were Children Film Screening
Sept. 20 from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Trout Lake Community Centre (3360 Victoria Dr., Vancouver)
Trout Lake Community Centre will host two screenings of the film “We Were Children,” in partnership with the National Film Board. The feature-length film shows the impact of the Canadian government’s residential school system through the eyes of two children.
Semiahmoo First Nation 4th Annual Walk for Truth and Reconciliation
Sept. 30 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Grand Chief Bernard Robert Charles Memorial Plaza (White Rock Beach)
Participants, including elders and residential school survivors, will march from Grand Chief Bernard Robert Charles Memorial Plaza to Semiahmoo Park for a free community event to honour those who have been impacted by Canada’s residential school system. The event will also feature speakers and musical performances, along with a complimentary lunch.
Honouring National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Sept. 25 at 5 p.m.
Pitt Meadows Art Gallery (10932 Barnston View Rd.)
An opening reception will be held on Sept. 25 at 5 p.m. to celebrate Memories, the new exhibit by Burnaby-based Cree artist James Groening. Groening is a descendent of a residential school survivor and his exhibit explores the continuing pursuit of reclaiming and connecting identity.