Celebrating Secwépemc and Syilx traditions, the All My Relations First Nations Dance Group shares song and dance at the WOW concert series finale in Salmon Arm on August 28th, 2025.
September 30th, A Day For Reflection, Learning, and Connection.
At Prestige Hotels & Resorts, we honour that all of British Columbia is unceded, ancestral, and traditional territory, stewarded by the First Nations who have cared for these lands since time immemorial. This blog highlights ways to reflect, learn, and connect on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, with community events near our hotels and online resources for those who cannot attend in person. While wearing orange and showing up is meaningful, this day is really about listening, understanding, and supporting Indigenous peoples and their histories. Whether you’re able to attend in person or prefer to participate online, we’ve gathered local events and digital resources to help guide reflection, learning, and connection on this important day.
This stunning Heritage Crystal Tipi in Vernon, BC, features paintings inspired by First Nations traditions, capturing stories of the valley’s Indigenous peoples.
Events Across Prestige Communities:
Kelowna:
– syilx showcase – Sncewips Heritage Museum, 10 am – 5 pm: Explore art exhibits created by the syilx community. More info
– (Un)learn with Kelowna Museums – Okanagan Heritage Museum, 1 pm – 4 pm: Hands-on activities and discussions about the residential school experience. By donation. More info
– Community March – Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society, 10 am – 1 pm: March to City Park for speeches and a candlelight vigil, followed by soup and bannock. More info
– Orange Shirt Day Ceremony – Mamawapowin Centre, 1 pm – 4 pm: Drumming, storytelling, and rock painting to honour the children. More info
– “Orange Hearts” Art Exhibit – Kelowna International Airport, Sept 24-30: Mixed media collage by local students on display at pre-security.
Vernon:
– The Museum & Archives of Vernon: Museum exhibition honouring lost children and residential school survivors, with short films and a discussion circle on the 94 Calls to Action. 2 PM–4 PM. More info
Kamloops:
– Kamloopa Powwow Arbour: Activities cohosted by the City of Kamloops and Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc: cultural learning, workshops on intergenerational trauma, educational booths, food, and the Orange Shirt Day Walk along the Moccasin Mile route. More info
Standing tall in Port Renfrew, BC, this totem pole celebrates the history, traditions, and artistry of local Indigenous peoples.
Sooke:
– Walking Together – John Phillips Memorial Park, 12 pm – 4 pm: Healing walk, ceremonies, cultural performances, storytelling, art mural, and family-friendly activities. More info
– Survivors Art Exhibition at Sooke Region Museum, 10 am – 12 pm: Paintings and learning sessions with Survivors. More info
A carved and beaded piece of Indigenous art on display at the Exploration Place Museum in Prince George.
Prince George:
– Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park, 11 am – 4 pm: Reading of the 94 Calls to Action and activities for all ages. More info
Online resources:
– UBC’s “Reconciliation Through Indigenous Education” course
– National Film Board’s residential schools film collection
– University of Alberta’s “Indigenous Canada” course
– Indigenous Watchdog’s status update on the Calls to Action
We invite you to engage with this important day in any way you can, whether that means joining a local event or taking time to explore the online resources provided. By honouring the stories of survivors, remembering the children who were lost, and supporting Indigenous voices, we all take part in the work of reconciliation. Every moment spent learning and reflecting strengthens our connection to one another and to the communities whose lands we are privileged to live, play, and work upon.
