TW: Orange Shirt Day, brief talk of racism, genocide, and ongoing colonization. If these topics are difficult, please skip to the portion of the blog labelled National Day of Truth and Reconciliation/Orange Shirt Day Events.
September 30, the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day is an important day for everyone in so-called “Canada,” as we recognize and take steps to dismantle institutionalized racism, genocide, and ongoing colonialism. ITMP commits to acting on the Calls to Action, and works towards an inclusive, equitable, and decolonized approach to education. We will be taking this day to reflect, remember, and uplift Indigenous voices.
We sincerely hope our Indigenous audience will take the day to be with family, friends, and community; to rest, recover, and revitalize. We encourage our settler/non-Indigenous audience to take this day to learn about how the colonization of Indigenous peoples is ongoing and become familiar with the 94 Calls to Action.
National Day of Truth and Reconciliation/Orange Shirt Day Events
If you have the time, please check out the Indigenous Tourism BC website – it has further events and also a handy list of six ways you can effect change.
Since this is a long post, we invite you to check out this link for more events!
Vancouver:
Nisga’a Ts’amiks Truth and Reconciliation Event
September 30, 2023, 1:00pm to 4:00pm Location: Trout Lake Community Centre – Outdoors Gravel Field — 3360 Victoria Drive, Vancouver Cost: Free
This Truth and Reconciliation event held by the Nisga’a Ts’amiks Vancouver Society will be honouring lost children and survivors of residential schools.
Truth and Reconciliation Day at Museum of Vancouver
September 30, 2023, 11:00am to 3:00pm Where: Museum of Vancouver — 1100 Chestnut Street Vancouver Cost: $50-$85, register online
This is a very special experience with the Museum of Vancouver’s spokesperson and former residential school student Phyllis (Jack) Webstad. She will lead an orange shirt creation activity and an open discussion about residential schools.
Orange Shirt Day at Templeton Welcome Garden
September 30, 2023, 2:00pm to 5:00pm Where: Templeton Welcome Garden — 700 Templeton Drive, Vancouver Cost: Free
Hastings Community Association will host an event including Indigenous speakers, drumming, Earth art, tea music, garden tours, and ice cream. All are welcome.
New Westminster:
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Teaching Pow Wow: Voices of our Children
September 30, 2023, 12:00pm – 4:00pm Where: Westminster Pier Park — 16th Street, New Westminster Cost: Free
Indigenous non-profit Spirit of the Children Society is hosting a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Teaching Pow Wow at Westminster Pier Park. There will be drumming, Indigenous artisans, and food trucks/concession.
White Rock:
Semihamoo First Nation’s 3rd Annual Walk for Truth and Reconciliation
September 30, 2023, 11:00am to 2:00pm
Location: Semihamoo Park. The walk begins in the parking lot adjacent to Grand Chief Bernard Robert Charles Plaza at 15393 Marine Drive. Cost: Free
Link: https://www.whiterockcity.ca/calendar.aspx?PREVIEW=YES&EID=3478
Join Semiahmoo Nation in their Walk for Truth and Reconciliation. Highlights include youth dancers and speakers, face painting and an Indigenous artisan market!
Coquitlam:
All My Relations: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
September 30, 2023, 1:00pm to 3:00pm Where: Place des Arts – 1120 Brunette Avenue, Coquitlam Cost: Free, register online
First Nations artist Christine Mackenzie will be hosting an inclusive workshop. Attendees will discuss the importance of cedar boughs through a hands-on drawing and painting activity.
If you are not familiar, we encourage you to learn more about Truth and Reconciliation Day and Orange Shirt Day:
· Learn about the legacy and impacts of Canada’s residential school system through The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.
· Learn about how Northern Secwepemc Elder Phyllis Webstad established Orange Shirt Day in 2013 and the Orange Shirt Day book at the Orange Shirt Day website.
Or further increase your awareness with:
· The 2021 Yellowhead Institute report on the status of the TRC's 94 calls to action
· The UBC Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Center’s curated learning resources on the legacy of residential schools.
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These topics can be difficult and complex and invoke strong emotions. If you need support or find yourself in crisis, there are services available:
Indian Residential School Survivors Society Toll-Free: 1 (800) 721-0066, 24-hour: 1-866-925-4419
KUU-US Crisis Line 1 (800) 588-8717
Indigenous Wellness Program (604) 675-2551 or 1 (866) 884-0888
First Nations & Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line 1 (855) 242-3310
Author: Kassidy, ITMP Blog Writer
Image Credits: Casey Newman via Millstream Elementary School
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