Port Coquitlam observes the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation on September 30. It is 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 September 30. City Hall will also be lit orange in the evening to recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The City will also observe Tuesday, September 30 as a statutory holiday in honour and recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
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.
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.
- BC Alliance for Arts & Culture - Residential Schools & Indigenous Resilience
- 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.