Lower Mainland events marking National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — The first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation will be marked today.

The House of Commons unanimously supported legislation in June to make Sept. 30, also known as Orange Shirt Day, a federally-recognized day to mark the history of and intergenerational trauma caused by residential schools. A number of events are being planned around Metro Vancouver.

Virtual

Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc worldwide drumming circle
Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation is inviting people across the world to simultaneously drum for the missing children of Indian residential schools on the first ever National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. The time, 2:15 pm, was chosen to signify the 215 children found on the site of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School in May of this year. Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc is urging everyone to learn the Secwepemc Honour Song, which can be accessed on YouTube.

Join @Tkemlups on Sept 30 to drum and sing for Le Estcwéy̓ (the Missing). Watch the video to learn the Secwépemc Honour Song. #drumforthechildren pic.twitter.com/bCgKxUu4OM

— Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc (@Tkemlups) September 20, 2021

Vancouver

Xweýene:msta:m ??kw?sqwel, seýe? “Call to witness / listen to respected one.”
“Blending traditional Coast Salish song and regalia with contemporary music and performance, Xwey´ene:msta:m ??kw?sqwel, sey´em´ asks the viewer to bear witness to the ongoing tragedy of the lost children of Canada’s residential schools and the country’s missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.”
When: 12 p.m.
Where: Vancouver Art Gallery

This #OrangeShirtDay, Sep 30 at 12 PM, join Tsatsu Stalqayu, Mortal Coil & Butterflies in Spirit for a special performance to honour the lost children of Canada’s residential schools. The event will take place on šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square. Find out more https://t.co/cUMb3V5G64 pic.twitter.com/a36B8UJZ6u

— Vancouver Art Gallery (@VanArtGallery) September 27, 2021

Brittania Community Services Society Orange Shirt Day
“We are gathering with Elders and their families on Orange Shirt Day. We invite you all to join us on this important day to help raise awareness about residential schools and their lasting impact on Indigenous peoples. Every Child Matters. Wear your orange shirt in support.”
Schedule:
9:00 a.m. – Assemble at the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre (1607 East Hastings Street)
9:45 a.m. – Walk to Grandview Park
10:30 a.m. – Ceremony at Grandview Park. Introduction and welcome by Annie Danilko and guest speaker Kat Norris.
11:00 a.m. – Nisga’a Elders testimony, followed by activities (lunch, drum circle, crafting and sharing)

Carnegie Community Centre 
“Community is invited to drop by the Carnegie patio to pick up colouring sheets, medicine, cookies and buttons. At 2:15 p.m. Carnegie participants will join in Drum for The Children, organized by Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc for the missing children of Indian Residential Schools.

Museum of Anthropology’s Sound House presents, “Never Forgotten”
A reflective night of poetry, hip hop and spoken word by Indigenous artists to mark Orange Shirt Day.
Time: 7 to 9 p.m.
Where: Museum of Anthropology

Coming up tomorrow! In honour of #OrangeShirtDay and the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, MOA will be donating the day’s museum admission proceeds to @IRSSurvivor. Your visit to MOA that day will support an important cause. https://t.co/oJDOnllqId pic.twitter.com/55A0G9b0Ch

— Museum of Anthropology at UBC (@MOA_UBC) September 29, 2021

Musqueam Moment of Silence for Truth and Reconciliation
There will be a moment of silence, as well as speeches, drummers and singers. Survivor Elder Thelma Stogan and Chief Wayne Sparrow will be among the speakers.
When: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: Musqueam Cultural Centre, 4000 Musqueam Avenue

Surrey

Skookum Surrey ceremony
An Outdoor ceremony featuring stories, drumming, bannock and tea. You’re encouraged to wear your orange shirt.
When: 2 to 4 p.m.
Where: Holland Park. 13428 Old Yale Road

White Rock

Semiahmoo First Nation Walk for Reconciliation 
Opening remarks by Grand Chief Bernard, followed by a walk to Semiamhoo Park where there will be speakers and drumming.
Where: Charles Memorial Plaza, 15400-block of Marine Drive
When: 1 p.m.

Coquitlam

Drum For the Children: Orange Shirt Day/National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
“It’s time to drum. Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc has invited everyone to join them on September 30th, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation / Orange Shirt Day, at 2:15pm to honour all the missing children of former residential schools by joining our voices in the Sewépemc Honour Song.”
Where: Lafarge Lake
When: 1: 30 p.m.

Langley

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Gathering
“Come and participate in a story walk, share with and listen to one another, and think about what our next steps will be individually, and as a community, as we move forward together in a good way towards reconciliation.”
Where: Derek Doubleday Arboretum, 21559 Fraser Highway
When: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Maple Ridge

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Community Vigil
“We invite you to write a letter to a missing child, we will be holding a ceremonial burning. Wear orange if possible.”
Where: Memorial Peace Park
When: 7 p.m.

New Westminster

Pipe ceremony honouring our residential school survivors and those that did not come home
Where: Pier Park Festival Lawn, 6th Street
When: 4 p.m.