Ways to observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in & around Vancouver

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is coming up at the end of the month, and there are plenty of ways to observe the day and honour those impacted by the Residential School System in the Vancouver area.

This year marks the fourth annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which coincides with Orange Shirt Day (“Every Child Matters”). The day is all about listening to Indigenous voices, asking questions, and taking responsibility for our continued learning about the history of Canada.

As this day can be very difficult for survivors, their families, and their communities – sensitivity and allyship are crucial. So we’re here to share a few ways to observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – on Monday, September 30th and beyond.

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Capilano University Truth and Reconciliation Keynote: Angela Sterritt 

One of Capilano University’s Truth and Reconciliation Keynotes will feature award-winning journalist and author Angela Sterritt at the BlueShore Financial Centre for the Performing Arts.

When: Thursday, September 26th
Where: 2055 Purcell Way North Vancouver
Cost: Free admission

Indigenous Makers Market 

Residential school survivor Myra Ka’zez’semaka7 Pierre is hosting a market celebrating local Indigenous makers featuring beadwork and cedar weaving by Ka’zez’semaka7 Creations, Amber’s Beading, and more.

When: Saturday, September 28th
Where: Mount Pleasant
Cost: Free admission

Finding Your Voice: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 

Indigenous artist, speaker, and facilitator Christine Mackenzie is spreading kindness through artmaking at this September 30th event. Here, guests will learn how to use different art mediums to express the importance of Truth and Reconciliation, creating a small, mixed-media art piece to take home to commemorate the event.

When: Monday, September 30th
Where: 1120 Brunette Avenue Coquitlam
Cost: Free admission

Create and Connect: Truth and Reconciliation Day at MONOVA 

On September 30th, programming at MONOVA will be offered free for families to gather and reflect. Visitors can engage with the history of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and Səl̓ílwətaɬ First Nations through gallery tours, storytelling sessions, interactive games, and a self-guided activity sheet to encourage explorations of Indigenous history in MONOVA’s galleries.

There will also be space to write messages of hope and reconciliation on orange paper t-shirts and rocks for MONOVA’s community garden, according to the event page.

When: Monday, September 30th
Where: 115 West Esplanade North Vancouver
Cost: Free admission

Try authentic bannock

There are numerous Indigenous-owned restaurants and culinary experiences around Vancouver, and we think the stomach is an excellent vehicle for learning, as well as enjoying new flavours. Whether you load up on bannock tacos from Mr. Bannock’s food truck, or partake in bannock and tea at the Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre at UBC – there are plenty of spots to choose from.

Where: See our picks above

So there you have it, Vancouver.

To learn more about Indigenous perspectives in Canada and what First Nations define as true reconciliation, you can read the official Calls to Action by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.

As well, you can support the following Indigenous-led organizations: