Port Coquitlam will observe the National Day for 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.
City Hall and civic buildings will be flying an orange flag leading up to the day and will be half-masting on Mon., Sept. 30. City Hall will also be lit orange in the evening to commemorate National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The City will observe Mon., Sept. 30 as a statutory holiday in honour and recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. All civic facilities will be closed except for the Port Coquitlam Community Centre and Hyde Creek Recreation Centre. The recreation centres will be operating under reduced statutory holiday hours. The Terry Fox Library will be closed from Sun. Sept. 29 to Mon., Sept. 30.
Opportunities for Residents to Recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Leading up to the National Day for 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:
- Storytelling with Indigenous Elder Kung JaadeeAll are invited to listen to compelling Haida and Squamish stories told by Indigenous storyteller, Kung Jaadee, on Sat., Sept. 28 from 2:00- 4:00 p.m. in the Michael Wright Art Gallery. Kung Jaadee belongs to the X̱aayda (Haida), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), Tlingit, Tsleil-Waututh Nations, and is also part Hawaiian. She was born and raised on Haida Gwaii and loves sharing Haida and Squamish stories which include universal teachings about respect, responsibility and the interconnectedness of all living beings. RSVP to [email protected]. All ages welcome.
- Terry Fox LibraryThe Terry Fox Library has curated a list of resources, and educational opportunities for residents to observe National Day for 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 (kʷikʷəƛ̓əm) First Nation in their own words. Produced in partnership between PoCo Heritage, Kwikwetlem (kʷikʷəƛ̓əm) 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 for Truth and Reconciliation on Mon., 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 Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
- Discover the history of the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem First Nation)
- Learn 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.
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.
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]