How to mark Truth and Reconciliation Day in Metro Vancouver

An Indigenous flag flies during the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

Tuesday Sept. 30 is Truth and Reconciliation Day in Canada, a day dedicated to honouring those affected by the residential school system.

This year the statutory holiday falls on a Tuesday, and there are several events on the day of and throughout the week that provide an opportunity to reflect on the history of the residential school system and learn about the impact its harmful legacy continues to have on Indigenous communities throughout the country today.

Here are some events that are taking place in and around Vancouver this week.

Films for Truth and Reconciliation: From 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. North Vancouver’s The Polygon Gallery will host a series of films from the National Film Board that highlight the resilience of Indigenous peoples in Canada. Films include Wandering Spirit Survival School, and Richard Cardinal: Cry From A Diary Of A Metis Child.

Orange Shirt Day at Holland Park: On Monday, Sept. 29, the Surrey Urban Indigenous Leadership Committee, Skookum Surrey and the Fraser Region Aboriginal Friendship Centre Association will partner with the city for an event with storytelling, drumming and bannock at Surrey’s Holland Park from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m.

Arts Umbrella events: Arts Umbrella on Granville Island will begin its observation of the holiday with a welcome breakfast at 9 a.m., followed by children’s book readings and a family art project.

Honouring the Past, Healing the Present, Inspiring the Future: From 10 a.m. on Sept. 30, Indigenous Elders and their families, alongside members of the Britannia Community Centre, the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society, and the Indian Residential School Survivors Society, will be at Grandview Park to raise awareness about residential schools and their lasting impact on Indigenous peoples.

Orange Shirt Walk: Starting at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, the Strathcona Community Centre will lead a walk to join the Truth & Reconciliation Day 2025 event at Grandview Park.

Intergenerational march at UBC: UBC’s faculties of Applied Science, Land and Food Systems and Forestry are hosting a gathering and march on the university campus beginning at the outdoor amphitheatre at 11:45 a.m. Tuesday. This year’s theme is ‘Walking Forward: Honouring Youth, Carrying Hope.’

Truth and Reconciliation month at MONOVA: The Museum of North Vancouver is engaging the community through a series of programs and events throughout the entire month of September, from speaker series events to hands-on activities.

‘Healing through understanding’ in New Westminster: From 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Indigenous non-profit Spirit of the Children Society will host an event with prayers, dance, speakers, crafts and food trucks at Queen’s Park South Field in New Westminster.