Truth & Reconciliation

Port Coquitlam observes 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.

By marking National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the City honours and reflects on the day's importance to the country's past, present, and future and embraces 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 flags will fly at half-mast on Sept. 30. City Hall will also be lit orange in the evening to recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The City will also 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.

Recognize National Day of Truth and Reconciliation

Leading up to the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30, 2023, 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 us on Sept 28, 2024 at 2pm in the Michael Wright Art Gallery, Kung Jaadee, who belongs to the X̱aayda (Haida), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (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.
  • 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.

Coinciding with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on 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.

National Indigenous Peoples Day

Port Coquitlam also celebrates National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21. It is a day to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures, outstanding contributions, and resilience of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in Canada.

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.

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.