Port Coquitlam will observe the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30 as a day to recognize and reflect on the tragic history of residential schools, and to honour First Nations, Inuit and Métis residential school survivors and their families and communities.
By marking National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, the City will honour and reflect on the day's importance to the country's past, present, and future and embrace the significance of the day to honour Indigenous peoples and reflect on acts of reconciliation.
City Hall and civic buildings will be flying an orange flag leading up to the day and will be half-masting on Sat., Sept. 30. City Hall will also be lit orange in the evening to commemorate National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.
Recreation facilities (Port Coquitlam Community Centre and Hyde Creek Recreation Centre) will be operating under statutory holiday hours on Sat. Sept. 30. The City will observe Mon. Oct. 2 as a statutory holiday with all civic facilities except for recreation centres, in honour and recognition of National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. The Terry Fox Library will be closed from Sat. Sept. 30 to Mon. Oct. 2, 2023.
Updates about City facility hours and closures will be available on the City's website at portcoquitlam.ca and on the City's social media channels.
Opportunities for Residents to Recognize National Day of Truth and Reconciliation
Leading up to the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30, the City is offering a number of activities that can help residents recognize the history of residential schools through education which include:
- First Nations Storyteller Kung JaadeeJoin the City's Cultural Roundtable on Thurs., Sept. 21 from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. in the Michael Wright Art Gallery at 5:30 p.m., Kung Jaadee, who belongs to the X_aayda (Haida), x_m_θk__y__m (Musqueam) and S_wx_wú7mesh (Squamish) First Nations, will share stories from her traditions. Space is limited; please RSVP to [email protected].
- Terry Fox LibraryThe Terry Fox Library has curated a list of resources, and educational opportunities for residents to observe National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. Visit the library's page which includes links to their Indigenous Collection and reading list for all ages at fvrl.ca.
- Port Coquitlam's Historical ContinuumEnjoy an interpretive walk on the PoCo Traboulay Trail from Lions Park to Gates Park to learn about the natural and cultural history of Port Coquitlam. Panels along the bank of the Coquitlam River invite you to learn about stories and the rich heritage of Kwikwetlem (k_ik_____m) First Nation in their own words. Produced in partnership between PoCo Heritage, Kwikwetlem (k_ik_____m) First Nation, and the City of Port Coquitlam. This is a family-friendly, free, and self-guided activity.
Orange Shirt Day
Coinciding with the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation on Sat., Sept. 30 is Orange Shirt Day.
Orange Shirt Day brings awareness that Every Child Matters and is a day of reflection to:
- recognize the residential school experience;
- witness and honour the healing journey of the survivors and their families; and,
- commit to the ongoing process of reconciliation.
Residents are encouraged to wear orange to honour the thousands of survivors of residential schools.
Resources for Learning
- 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 k_ik_____m (Kwikwetlem First Nation) in this area.
- Read about the story of Orange Shirt Day.
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.
For more information on resources and activities to support reconciliation visit portcoquitlam.ca/reconciliation.
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Media Contact
Ximena Ibacache
Manager of Communications & Administrative Services
City of Port Coquitlam
Tel 604.927.5499
Email [email protected]