National Day for Truth & Reconciliation

September 25, 2023

The FVRD office will be closed on Monday, October 2, in support of the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation on September 30th. This is a day for reflection, intended to create space to honour those whose lives were lost in, or because of, residential schools and the Survivors, families, and communities that were deeply affected by this system.

The impacts of residential schools are far-reaching, extending across generations and are part of a broader history of systemic racism, discrimination, and injustice that Indigenous communities have endured and continue to confront in Canada. As we are reminded in the final Truth and Reconciliation Commission report, “reconciliation is not possible without knowing the truth.”

Show your support by attending events, learning about Indigenous truths, and wearing an orange shirt.

Local Events

Chowiyes-Xwithet / Rise Up-Wake Up! 2023
Thursday, September 28 | 11:30 am - 2:30 pm
UFV Chilliwack Campus Gathering Place - 45190 Caen Ave, Chilliwack
Register here.

Xyólhmet ye Syéwiqwélh Taking Care of Our Children Commemoration Ceremonies
Multiple events between Friday, September 29 and Sunday, October 1
Fraser River Heritage Park - 7494 Mary St, Mission
Learn more here.

Mission Friendship Centre Recognition and Honouring Event
Friday, September 29 | 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Mission Friendship Centre Society Main Hall - 33150 1st Ave, Mission
Learn more here. 

2nd Annual Reconciliation Pow wow
Saturday, September 30 | 1:00 pm
Chilliwack Secondary School - 46363 Yale Rd E, Chilliwack
For more information, call Gary Abbott at 604-845-5234.

Stetís ímexstowx: Walk Beside Us
Saturday, September 30 | 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Thunderbird Square - 32388 Veterans Way, Abbotsford
Learn more here.

Many Truths and Other Ways to Rethink Reconciliation with Indigenous Artist Miriam Berndt
Saturday, September 30 | 1:00 pm
Online via Zoom
Register here.

Learn

Learn more about the history of residential schools in Canada on the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation website. This interactive map shows the location of the residential schools. Why not take the opportunity to visit and learn about the history of one near your community? 

Wear Orange

Wearing an orange shirt is intended to raise awareness of the impacts of residential schools felt by individuals, families and communities across generations. This Indigenous-led initiative is also intended to promote the “Every Child Matters” concept. The orange shirt represents the stripping away of culture, freedom, and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations.