Port Coquitlam will observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Tuesday, September 30 as a time to reflect on the tragic legacy of residential schools and to honour First Nations, Inuit, and Métis residential school survivors, their families, and their communities.
To mark the day, City Hall and other civic buildings will fly the orange flag and lower flags to half-mast. City Hall and Leigh Square will also be lit orange in the evening.
The City will recognize September 30 as a statutory holiday. All civic facilities will be closed, with the exception of the Port Coquitlam Community Centre and Hyde Creek Recreation Centre, which will operate under reduced statutory holiday hours.
Opportunities for Residents to Reflect and Learn
Leading up to National Day for Truth & Reconcilliation, the City is offering opportunities for learning, reflection, and community connection:
Film Screening: Spirit Game – Pride of a Nation
On Saturday, September 27 at 2pm, the Gathering Place will host a screening of Spirit Game: Pride of a Nation. This film explores the Indigenous origins and cultural significance of lacrosse and highlights the resilience and pride of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Nation. Seating is limited — please register in advance.
Terry Fox Library
The Fraser Valley Regional Library (FVRL) is launching a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation contest on September 1, where participants can win a copy of 52 Ways to Reconcile: How to Walk With Indigenous People on the Path to Healing by David A. Robertson.
- Contest details: fvrl.bc.ca/ndtr-contest
- About the book: 52 Ways to Reconcile
Residents can also explore two specially curated booklists:
In addition, Terry Fox Library will feature a book display on the Power Wall throughout September, along with Indigenous-themed puzzles available at the puzzle table.
Port Coquitlam’s Historical Continuum
Take a self-guided interpretive walk along the Traboulay PoCo Trail from Lions Park to Gates Park. Interpretive panels along the Coquitlam River highlight the natural and cultural history of Port Coquitlam, featuring stories and heritage of the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) First Nation. This free, family-friendly experience was developed in partnership with PoCo Heritage, the Kwikwetlem First Nation, and the City of Port Coquitlam.
Indigenous Educational Resources
We encourage local residents and families to learn and reflect on the history of Indigenous people in Canada. There is much work to do to address and repair the intergenerational trauma caused by the treatment of Indigenous peoples in Canada, including but not limited to, the residential school system. Educating yourself is one way we can all build toward reconciliation.
To recognize National Truth and Reconciliation Day, FVRL has launched a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Contest. Participants can win a copy of 52 Ways to Reconcile: How to Walk With Indigenous People on the Path to Healing by David A. Robertson.
- Explore the Fraser Valley Regional Library reading lists for National Day for Truth & Reconciliation: Adults Reading List & Kids Reading List
- Learn about and view resources from the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, a place of learning and dialogue about residential schools.
- Read about the first stage of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada about residential schools that concluded in 2015.
- Read about the history of the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem First Nation) in this area.
- Visit the National Indigenous History Month webpage for a variety of resources and information on National Indigenous History Month (June), which recognizes the history, heritage and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people in Canada.
- Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada - Education
- Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada - Exhibits
- Orange Shirt Society
- The Indian Residential School Survivors Society Emergency Crisis Line is available 24/7 for anyone who may need counselling or support. Call 1-800-721-0066 or the 24-hr crisis line 1-866-925-4419.
We honour and thank the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) First Nation as our community partners of which we continue to learn from and work with, to grow and make both our communities better, on their traditional territory.