Truth & Reconciliation events in Surrey, White Rock and beyond
This coming Monday (Sept. 30) marks the fourth annual National Day for Truth & Reconciliation, and leading up to the day, numerous events are being held in Surrey, White Rock and across the Lower Mainland to acknowledge our country’s history with First Nations and residential schools.
“Truth and reconciliation is for everyone,” said Juanita Coltman, principal of the Surrey Schools’ Indigenous Learning department. “We want to improve Indigenous students’ success in schools, and it begins with everyone being on that journey and taking time to learn about Indigenous people.
“Our land-based nations and community services are providing lots of events to raise that awareness and help people on their truth and reconciliation journey.”
In Surrey
On Friday, Sept. 27, the Surrey Urban Indigenous Leadership Committee (SUILC) and Skookum Surrey are recognizing Orange Shirt Day at Holland Park (13428 Old Yale Rd.) from 3 to 5 p.m.
The free event aims to honour survivors of the residential school system, their families and to remember those who did not return, as well as foster dialogue and learning about B.C.’s colonial history and ongoing impacts to Indigenous communities.
Attendees are encouraged to wear orange shirts, and the afternoon will feature compelling stories, Indigenous dancing and drumming, and bannock and tea.
In White Rock
On Monday, Sept. 30, the Semiahmoo First Nation (SFN) is leading its fourth annual Walk for Truth & Reconciliation, starting at the parking lot adjacent to Grand Chief Bernard Robert Charles Plaza (15393 Marine Dr.) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The walk includes activities and performances centring on this year’s theme, Why Reconciliation Now?, and also features a keynote speech by Grand Chief Steven Point, performances by renowned Indigenous musicians, an Indigenous artist market and various exhibitions. A complimentary lunch will be served to all attendees, keeping with the communal spirit of the event.
👕 Orange Shirts for sale: The City of White Rock will be selling National Truth & Reconciliation T-shirts on behalf of the SFN at the White Rock Community Centre (15154 Russell Ave.) on the following days and times:
- Friday, Sept. 27, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Sept. 28, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
T-shirts will also be available for sale at the starting point of the walk the day of the event.
The event is presented by the SFN with support from the Fraser Region Aboriginal Friendship Centre Association (FRAFCA), the City of Surrey and the City of White Rock.
In Maple Ridge
On Sunday, Sept. 29, the Katzie First Nation, PLEA Community Services, the Fraser River Indigenous Society and BC Spokes will host its National Day for Truth & Reconciliation event at Memorial Peace Park (11930 224 St.) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The day’s events will feature Indigenous guest speakers, dancers, drummers and artists, as well as an opening march, orange T-shirt painting, a community art piece and more than 50 vendors and artisans. Indigenous hip-hop artist K.A.S.P. will serve as a special guest motivational speaker for the event.
In the Fraser Valley
Chilliwack Secondary School (46363 Yale Rd., Chilliwack) is hosting its third annual Orange Shirt Day Pow Wow on Friday night (Sept. 27) and throughout the day Saturday, which is free and open to the public.
Grand entry takes place Friday at 7 p.m. and festivities run from 1 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, with drumming from Wild River, vendors and more. A feast will also be held on Saturday at 5 p.m.
For more information, call Gary Abbott at 604-845-5234.
(image below from Surrey's Chimney Hill Elementary)
