On this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers (British Columbia) Society (“FACL BC”) affirms our commitment to reconciliation and our dedication to acting in solidarity with our Indigenous colleagues, clients, and community members.
This day marks the third anniversary of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and notably is the first year that it is a statutory holiday in British Columbia. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a day of reflection and remembrance. For some, September serves as a harrowing reminder of a time when Indigenous children were forcibly taken from their families and subjected to the atrocities of forced assimilation, genocide, and abuse.
We encourage everyone to take the opportunity to learn more about Indigenous peoples across Canada and reflect on the actionable steps we can undertake to contribute to reconciliation actively. We recognize the importance of acknowledging our privilege and understanding the historical and present-day injustices that Indigenous communities endure. As settlers and legal professionals, we must use that privilege to address the systemic oppression faced by Indigenous communities.
We encourage our members and communities to refer to the resources below to learn more about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation:
Truth and Reconciliation Day Events in BC
Below are just a few of the Truth and Reconciliation Day events happening across BC.
QTS Orange Shirt Day/Truth and Reconciliation Celebration
- Date/Time: September 30, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
- Location: Quesnel Friendship Centre, 319 North Fraser Drive, Quesnel, BC
An Indigenous-led day-long event created in 2013, this event is designed to educate Canadian people, to promote awareness about the Indian residential school system and the multigenerational impact it has had on Indigenous communities for over a century. The event is to honour the lost Children and the Survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities, to call for public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools.
Reconciliation Powwow
- Date/Time: September 30, ‘grand entry’ at 1:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. on 30th
- Location: Chilliwack Secondary School, 46363 Yale Rd E, Chilliwack, BC V2P 2P8
A traditional style powwow held at Chilliwack Secondary. Although the powwow started Friday evening, there’s also a grand entry at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday. Everyone rises to their feet during the grand entry which is led by flag bearers and elders, followed by dancers. The event will feature drum groups, vendors, dancers, and various performances. The BC Metis Society will also host a free dinner on Saturday at 5 p.m.
Qwalena: The Wild Woman Who Steals Children
- Date/Time: September 30, at 7:30 p.m. & 9:30 p.m. (doors at 7:00 p.m.)
- Location: Tightrope Impro Theatre, 2343 Main Street, Vancouver, BC
Indigenous storyteller Dallas Yellowfly brings "Qwalena: The Wild Woman Who Steals Children'' to life in this unique and scary theatrical multimedia storytelling performance.
The purpose of this performance is to promote anti-racism, create awareness of the Indian Act, and the intergenerational impact of Indian Residential Schools, and strengthen communities through education.
Tickets are “pay what you can”/by donation ($25 recommendation).
Intergenerational March to commemorate Orange Shirt Day
Date/Time:September 30, at 11:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre Canada, 1985 Learners' Walk, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1
The march aims to be educational and supportive of the Indigenous community on campus and beyond. Educational activities will be held throughout the day to allow younger participants to connect with the original inhabitants of the land and plant a seed to continue these conversations about a difficult era in Canadian history at home.
Visit the link above for more information about the day’s agenda.
Semiahmoo First Nation's 3rd Annual Walk for Truth & Reconciliation
- Date/Time: September 30, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Location: The walk begins in the parking lot adjacent to Grand Chief Bernard Robert Charles Plaza at 15393 Marine Drive, White Rock, BC V4B 1Y6
Join Semiahmoo First Nation for the 3rd annual Walk for Truth & Reconciliation beginning near Grand Chief Bernard Robert Charles Plaza and ending at Semiahmoo Park with programming and activities.
National Day For Truth And Reconciliation with Nisga’a Ts’amiks Vancouver Society
- Date/Time: September 30, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Location: Trout Lake Community Centre, Outdoors Gravel Field, 3360 Victoria Drive, Vancouver
Nisga’a Ts’amiks Vancouver Society is honouring the lost children and survivors from the Indian Residential Schooling system with a National Day For Truth And Reconciliation event at John Hendry Park. Orange T-shirts will be sold on-site and there are also food vendors planned.
South Island Powwow
- Date/Time: September 30, from 10 a.m. to midnight. Grand entries at noon and 6 p.m.
- Location: Royal Athletic Park, 1014 Caledonia Ave, Victoria, BC
The annual South Island Powwow is an opportunity to recognize Survivors and their families in the spirit of reconciliation. Celebrate traditional Indigenous cultures and resiliency through song and dance.
