September 30th, a day for listening, learning, and action.
September 30th marks an important day of remembrance, reflection, and learning across Canada. It is a time to honour the children who never returned home from residential schools, recognize the experiences of Survivors, and acknowledge the ongoing impacts of the residential school system on Indigenous families and communities.
The date is recognized through two linked initiatives: Orange Shirt Day, a grassroots movement rooted in survivor stories and public education, and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a federal statutory holiday dedicated to reflection and learning.
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.
What is Orange Shirt Day?
Orange Shirt Day is a grassroots movement that began in 2013 to raise awareness about Canada’s residential school system and its lasting impacts on Indigenous Peoples and communities.
The movement was inspired by the story of Phyllis Jack Webstad, a former residential school student from the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation. On her first day at residential school, the new orange shirt her grandmother had purchased for her was taken away, never to be returned. Her experience became a powerful symbol of the loss, mistreatment, and cultural erasure experienced by Indigenous children who attended residential schools.
Today, Orange Shirt Day serves as a reminder of those experiences and the importance of ensuring they are never forgotten. The phrase “Every Child Matters” has become a symbol of remembrance and can be seen in communities across Canada throughout the year.
What is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation?
In 2021, September 30 was officially recognized by the Government of Canada as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a federal statutory holiday established in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
Like Remembrance Day, this is not a day of celebration. Rather, it is a day to reflect, learn, and acknowledge the truths of Canada’s history, including the legacy of residential schools and their ongoing impacts on Indigenous communities.
Reconciliation begins with truth. It involves acknowledging past harms, listening to Indigenous voices, and understanding how historical injustices continue to affect communities today. It is also an ongoing commitment to building respectful relationships and learning about the cultures, histories, and experiences of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples.
Most of British Columbia is located on unceded Indigenous territory, meaning the land was never legally surrendered through treaty agreements. The province is home to more than 200 distinct First Nations, as well as Métis and Inuit communities whose histories and cultures span thousands of years.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation provides an opportunity for all Canadians to deepen their understanding, participate in community events, and take part in the ongoing journey of reconciliation.
Indigenous Garden tour in Vernon
Events Across Prestige Communities:
Kelowna:
– National Day for Truth & Reconciliation with Sncewips – Sncewips Heritage Museum, 10 am – 4 pm: Explore art exhibits created by the syilx community. More info
– (Un)learn with Kelowna Museums – Okanagan Heritage Museum, 11 am – 4 pm: Hands-on activities and discussions about the residential school experience. By donation. More info
– Community March & Gathering – Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society, 10 am – 2 pm: Drumming, speeches, and educational activities to foster awareness and healing, and a march. More info
Vernon:
– Truth & Reconciliation Community Gathering: Reconciliation in Action: 11 AM – 2 PM. Join the community at Vernon’s North Okanagan Friendship Centre for ceremony, drumming, guest speakers, free community lunch, smudging, and more. More info
Kamloops:
– National Day for Truth & Reconciliation: 11 AM – 4 PM. Activities co-hosted by the City of Kamloops and Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc: cultural programming and demonstrations, live performances, Indigenous artisans and food vendors, community resources, family activities and opportunities to learn and connect. More info
Totem pole in Thunderbird Park in Victoria
Sooke:
– Walking Together – Edward Milne Community School, 12 pm – 4 pm: Healing walk, ceremonies, cultural performances, Indigenous vendors, food trucks, and opportunities to come together in reflection and learning. More info
Tipi at St. Eugene Golf Course outside of Cranbrook
Cranbrook:
– National Day For Truth and Reconciliation: Orange Shirt Day. 10 AM. St. Eugene Mission. Guest speakers, a commemorative walk and lunch. More info
Nelson:
Truth and Reconciliation Day for Families: 9 AM – 11 AM. Taghum Hall. This program is aimed at kids aged 8-12 with their parents or caregivers. Registration is required for planning purposes. More Info
Totem Pole on display at the Museum of Northern BC
Smithers:
– Truth and Reconciliation Gala Dinner – Dzel K’ant Friendship Centre Society Cultural Centre Hall. 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM. Share a meal and spend the evening in community, featuring live drumming by Ewk Hiyah Hozdil. Everyone is welcome. More Info
Prince George:
– Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park, 12 am – 5 pm: Reading of the 94 Calls to Action, ceremony and celebration. 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
– Further learning resources
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.
