Truth & Reconciliation events in Surrey, White Rock and the Lower Mainland
Semiahmoo First Nation Chief Harley Chappell leads the annual Walk for Truth & Reconciliation in White Rock, one of many events happening locally as part of the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation. (Photo via the City of White Rock)
With the fifth annual National Day for Truth & Reconciliation taking place this coming Tuesday (Sept. 30), numerous events are being held in Surrey, White Rock and across the Lower Mainland to formally acknowledge Canada’s history with First Nations, and all are invited to attend in solidarity with Indigenous Peoples.
“One of the most important things anyone can do is to stand with us,” said Lyn Daniels, Director of Instruction with the Indigenous Learning department. “Just being there tells us these people stand with us for the truth, knowing the truth of the history of what we experienced.”
In Surrey
On Monday, Sept. 29, the Surrey Urban Indigenous Leadership Committee (SUILC), Skookum Surrey and the Fraser Region Aboriginal Friendship Centre Association are recognizing Orange Shirt Day at Holland Park (13428 Old Yale Rd.) from 4 to 6 p.m., beginning with a drum march from Surrey City Hall to Holland Park at 3:45 p.m.
The free event will include Indigenous cultural sharing and truth telling, with guided reflection, learning and conversation. Attendees are encouraged to wear orange shirts as a symbol of our ongoing commitment to acknowledging the harm to Indigenous peoples caused by residential schools and B.C.’s colonial history, while working towards healing, reconciliation and a better future.
The afternoon will feature compelling stories, traditional dancing and drumming, and locally prepared bannock and tea.
Additionally, on Tuesday, Sept. 30, Surrey City Hall will be illuminated orange in recognition of the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation.
In White Rock
On Tuesday, Sept. 30, the Semiahmoo First Nation (SFN) is leading its fifth annual Walk for Truth & Reconciliation, starting at the parking lot adjacent to Grand Chief Bernard Robert Charles Memorial Plaza (15393 Marine Dr.) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The walk will include activities, an Indigenous artisan marketplace, dancing by the Kwel Eng Sen Dancers and a musical performance by Norine Braun, with a keynote speech by former South Surrey—White Rock MP Gordon Hogg. A complimentary lunch will be served to all attendees, keeping with the communal spirit of the event.
Parking is free at the Semiahmoo parking lot located east of Semiahmoo Park (approximately Marine Drive and Kent Street).
👕 Orange Shirts for sale: Prior to Sept. 30, 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.).
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 White Rock, the City of Surrey, the Surrey Police Service and the Ministry of Children and Family Development.
In Maple Ridge
On Sunday, Sept. 28, the Katzie First Nation and PLEA Community Services will host the city’s National Day for Truth & Reconciliation event at Memorial Peace Park (11930 224 St.) from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The day’s events will feature cultural performances, guest speakers and drum circles, with a healing tent and safe space for those impacted by residential schools to share and witness through stories. The event will also host free activities, including orange T-shirt painting and a community art project.
More than 60 local artisans, vendors and community organizations are scheduled to participate in the day. 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. 26) 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 Red Hawk Express, 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
