Fraser Valley – This list will be in constantly updated. If we are missing your event, please email fvn@shaw.ca
In Abbotsford :
Abbotsford Community Partners along with Abbotsford Police Department host their Second Annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Event
Monday September 30 from 10 AM – 3 PM at Thunderbird Square and Civic Plaza, 32388 Veterans Way, Abbotsford.
Following the impact of last year’s inaugural event, AbbyPD and dedicated community partners invite you to join for the second annual gathering as we acknowledge and commemorate our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation on the traditional and unceded territories of Mathxwí First Nation, Semá:th First Nation, and Leq’á:mel First Nation.
On Sunday September 29, Walking Forward, is from 9AM to 8PM at Sema:th First Nation on Sumas Mountain Toad.
Walking Forward is hosted by Sto:lo Nation, Sumas First Nation and Sts’elemeqw Residential School Thrivers Society. This includes a survivors panel , gatherings and meals.
At Chilliwack Secondary School Friday and Saturday – September 27 and 28:
Sto:lo HQ on Vedder Road will be hosting a Morning ceremony with a lunch to follow:
Wilma’s Transition Society annual Truth and Reconciliation day community event is back at Sardis Park on Monday Sept 30th.
They will have a cultural opening as well as food trucks, local artistians selling a variety of items, information from various not for profits in the community and activities for littles. This event is free, and a great way to learn more about our community.
At Chilliwack Cultural Centre September 30:
a special day of reflection, healing, and cultural celebration at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre on September 30, beginning with a Canoe Ceremony in recognition of the generous gift from the Sqwá First Nation. This beautifully prototype canoe was carved by master carver Ralph Sr. of Sts’ailes, along with a set of unique paddles carved by inmates at Kwìkwèxwelhp Healing Village, will be installed at The Centre acknowledging the resilience of Indian Residential School Survivors who made their journey back to their communities, culture and identity. Bringing it to the Chilliwack Cultural Centre is a symbol of unity, healing and reconciliation. The day’s events highlight The Centre’s location on the traditional, unceded territory of the Sqwá First Nations a member of the Pelólxw Tribe, and pays tribute to the rich cultural heritage and enduring spirit of the Pelólxw people.
Ceremony Details:
- Date: September 30, 2024
- Canoe Dipping and Journey: 9:30 AM (From Sqwá to the Chilliwack Cultural Centre)
- Canoe Installation: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Chilliwack Cultural Centre)
The prototype canoe will be dipped in the sacred waters by Sqwá cultural workers. After the sacred ritual, the canoe will be paraded to the Chilliwack Cultural Centre, where it will be installed between 11:00 and 11:30 AM as an enduring reminder of our shared commitment to cultural preservation, community enrichment, unity, cross-cultural understanding and a meaningful act of reconciliation.
Attendees are also invited to explore the Weaving Exhibit curated by Joy Hall, which will be on display in the installation space. This exhibit showcases the intricate artistry and rich traditions of Salish weaving, offering insight into the deep cultural ties between Indigenous peoples, land, and art. Joy Hall’s curation highlights the profound resilience and beauty of this traditional practice, connecting the themes of interdependence, survival, and hope that resonate throughout the day’s celebration.
Additionally, the Photography Exhibit by Fred Meyerink will be displayed in the same space. This exhibit offers a compelling visual narrative that explores the intersections of land, culture, and community. Fred Meyerink’s stunning photography, in collaboration with Indigenous community member Gracie Kelly, captures the deep-rooted connections between people and the natural world, reflecting the themes of resilience, cultural preservation, and the ongoing relationship between Indigenous peoples and their land. This powerful collection enriches the day’s celebration by visually complementing the canoe installation and weaving exhibit, further honoring the stories and traditions of the Sqwá First Nation.
After the installation, attendees are invited back to the Sqwá Band Hall for lunch at 12:00 PM.
The Canoe Ceremony will be taking place on September 30, 2024, beginning at 9:45 am. This is a free event, and you can contact the Centre Box Office at 604-391-SHOW(7469) for more information.
Fort Langley National Historic Site:
Each year, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities.
Join us at Fort Langley National Historic Site, on Saturday, September 28, for a special event dedicated to this important day. Attend a presentation by Len Pierre, from the Len Pierre Consulting, an Indigenous Leadership, Innovation, & Transformation Consulting Group; visit the Métis Nation BC exhibit in the Big House; watch Indigenous videos in the theatre; and make an Orange Shirt Day button.
Orange Shirt Day, also observed on September 30, is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day intended to raise awareness of the individual, family and community inter-generational impacts of residential schools, and to promote the concept of “Every Child Matters”. The orange shirt is a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations.
On September 30, we encourage all Canadians to wear orange to honour the thousands of Survivors of residential schools. However you choose to participate and commemorate, let us all take the time to listen and learn, to begin or deepen our understanding of the truths that we must acknowledge before full reconciliation can occur.
Harrison:
September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. On this day we reflect on the tragic history and ongoing impacts of residential schools. We commemorate and honour the children who never returned home, survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities.
Show your support and solidarity by joining the Truth and Reconciliation Walk, taking place Monday September 30th from 9:30am to 12 noon. Meet at Sasquatch Crossing Eco Lodge, located at 15500 Morris Valley Road, Harrison Mills. The walk will conclude at Sandpiper Resort at 14282 Morris Valley Road (3.5 km).
The event hosted by Sts’ailes First Nation will include speakers, drummers, dancers, light snacks, free t-shirts and shuttle service (from Sandpiper back to Sasquatch Crossing Eco Lodge).
For further information, please contact Vicki Paul at 604-798-8818 or Cecily George at 604-798-3553.
