Monday, September 30th is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation across Canada.
It is a day to reflect on the oppressive colonial history of Canada and how forced assimilation through initiatives like Indian Residential Schooling caused intergenerational trauma that has continued to affect Indigenous communities.
By recognizing the errors that were made, the country is trying to ensure the traumas suffered are not glossed over and are brought to the forefront of the dialogue when it comes to First Nations relations.
To honour National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we have put together a list of ways in which you can show your support.
Here’s 6 ways you can get involved leading up to and on the day of Monday, September 30th:
Truth and Reconciliation Book Signing
Munro’s Books is hosting a book signing for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Saturday, September 28th.
Attendees will get the chance to meet several authors whose published works provides greater understanding and opportunities for reflection.
Authors will include Maia Caron, Karen Whetung, Katlia, Danielle Geller, and more—you can view the full schedule on Munro’s website.
- Where: Munro’s Books, 1108 Government Street
- When: Saturday, September 28th from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Cedar Weaving Workshop
The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria invites you to join them and some very special guests on Saturday, September 28th.
Jessica Sault, Nuu-chah-nulth from the Tseshaht First Nation, and Cheyanne Tinoco from the Cowichan Nation will be teaching the traditional Indigenous art of cedar-hat weaving.
Also included in the day’s activities is reflecting on the works of Ursula Johnson, a Mi’kmaq artist featured in the Generations exhibition.
This is a full-day event, so guests are encouraged to bring a lunch. Light refreshments will be provided.
Spaces are limited, and you can purchase yours for just over $300 via Eventbrite.
- Where: Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, 1040 Moss Street
- When: Saturday, September 28th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Songs for Truth and Reconciliation
A special event is being held at the Victoria Conservatory of Music in honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Hosted by Ry Moran, performing artists include čačumḥi aaron m. wells, mezzo soprano Marion Newman Nege’ga, Conservatory mentor Hip Hop artists Nicole Ermineskin (Nikky E) and Alex Taylor-McCallum, and student Naomi Triebwasser (Nenagwas).
The event will begin with a public address from survivor Elder Dr. Barney Williams, a former member of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Survivors Circle.
Admission is free, but you have to RSVP a ticket via Showpass. Cash donations will be accepted at the entrance—proceeds go towards supporting local Indigenous organizations and initiatives.
- Where: Alix Goolden Performance Hall, 900 Johnson Street
- When: Sunday, September 29th from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Bike ride for Truth and Reconciliation
Ever since the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Victoria, Capital Bike has worked with the city as well as the Songhees Nation to try to create a way for people to learn.
They achieve this by planning a big, group bike ride to explore sites that are significant to the First Nations of the area and learn from their elders and residential school survivors.
Just like the last three years, the Truth and Reconciliation Day Ride will take place on September 30th, and will take participants from Songhees Park in Vic West, through downtown, along Dallas Road, then up Vancouver Street to the South Island Powwow.
The Truth and Reconciliation Day Ride is free and is designed to be accessible for all-ages and abilities.
Riders are encouraged to wear orange because National Day for Truth and Reconciliation aligns with Orange Shirt Day across Canada.
- Where: Songhees Park, just along the water adjacent to the Delta Hotel in Vic West
- When: Monday, September 30th, from 9:45 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Songhees Nation’s Third Annual South Island Powwow
To honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day, the Songhees Nation and the City of Victoria are welcoming the community to the third annual South Island Powwow.
It will take place on the homelands of the lək̓ʷəŋən people at Royal Athletic Park on Monday, September 30th. It is free to attend and open to everyone.
This powwow is held in recognition of the survivors of the Indian Residential and Day Schools, the families of those impacted, the Sixties Scoop and the children that never made it home.
Attendees can expect a traditional grand entry of Nations alongside Indigenous song and dance with two host drum groups, Smokey Valley and Wild River, as well as guest speakers, more than 80 vendors and many food trucks.
- Where: Royal Athletic Park, 1014 Caledonia Avenue
- When: Monday, September 30th, gates open at 10 a.m.
Charity Pinball Tournament
Join the folks at Neon Ranch Pinball for a charity pinball tournament!
For National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, half of everyone’s tournament fee will be donated to the Elders Engagement Fund.
Doors and signup starts at 1 p.m. and the tournament begins at 2 p.m.
- Where: Neon Ranch Pinball, 5960 Hunt Road
- When: Friday, September 27th at 2 p.m. (doors and signup at 1 p.m.)
